A joint statement issued by the Sri Lanka Core Group at the 50th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council called for accountability by those responsible for the violence against peaceful protesters.
We note that protesters, have exercised their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of expression in recent months. We are deeply concerned by violent attacks on peaceful protestors and subsequent violence against government-aligned politicians and supporters. Those responsible for this violence must be held to account.
We stress the crucial importance of upholding democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and maintaining independent institutions. We also urge the Sri Lankan authorities to address long-standing impunity and corruption, and underline the need for good governance and sound economic policies.
Our concerns over surveillance and intimidation of civil society persist and we stress the importance of protecting civil society space.
The Core Group calls on Sri Lanka to cooperate with the High Commissioner and her Office and is ready to support Sri Lanka on the implementation of HRC resolution 46/1.
