Sri Lanka
Respect for fundamental human rights in Sri Lanka fell in serious jeopardy following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election as president in November 2019. Sri Lanka not only stalled on providing accountability and reconciliation 10 years after its civil war ended, but also withdrew from commitments made at the UN Human Rights Council. The draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act remains in effect, facilitating torture and other abuse. The government failed to initiate security sector or criminal justice reform. Human rights defenders and victims of past abuses are subjected to intimidation and surveillance. Muslims and other religious minorities face ongoing threats and violence. Government measures to control the Covid-19 pandemic discriminate against Islamic funeral practices.

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United NationsIt is 11 years since tens of thousands of civilians were killed in the final months of Sri Lanka’s civil war. Both parties to the conflict committed war crimes and other abuses for which no one has been held to account.
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Sri Lanka: Muslims Face Threats, Attacks
Authorities Should Act Against Incitement by Buddhist Nationalists
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News
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Sri Lanka: High Ranking Officials Involved in War Crimes
Germany should push for strong resolution in Human Rights Council
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UN rights body should ensure international accountability for grave crimes in Sri Lanka
Human Rights Watch statement - item 2 interactive dialogue on High Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka
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Covid-19 Forced Cremations Continue in Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Backtracks on Pledge to Revoke Anti-Muslim Policy
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Thousands March for Justice in Sri Lanka, Despite Ban
Protesters Call for UN Action on Accountability
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Sri Lanka: UN Rights Chief Decries Mounting Abuses
Report Highlights Need for Strong Human Rights Council Resolution
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Sri Lanka Seeks Diversion, Not Justice, Over Wartime Abuses
Announced Domestic Inquiry Seeks to Deflect UN Human Rights Council