July 21, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is one of 30 ‘Human Rights Priority Countries’ (HRPCs) that the UK looks for positive engagement with to address human rights concerns.
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) made public its Annual Human Rights Report for 2016 on Thursday which contains the above classification. Sri Lanka has been included in this country of concerns list for several years.
The report recognises and welcomes improvements in the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, while also emphasising the need for further progress, it said.
It commended progress by the government against commitments reflected in UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution 30/1, while pointing out that greater progress is needed.
The report also welcomed the step towards reconciliation by passing of legislation establishing an Office of Missing Persons (OMP), while urging the government to operationalise the OMP.
The Report called on the Government to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and draft new counter-terrorism legislation in line with international human rights standards.
It also recognised the need for further development of the police force in order to reduce the risk of human rights violations, including torture, and improving public confidence in the rule of law.
The UK said it is continuing support for projects that build capabilities and help the Sri Lankan Police meet international standards.
The report notes that intercommunal tensions remain an area of concern.
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The High Commission notes that these tensions have subsequently escalated in 2017 and hopes that call to address hate speech as seriously as the problem merits will be heeded.
The UK Government has pledged £6.6m in the period 2016 to 2019 to continue support for reconciliation and human rights.
The UK said work with the Government of Sri Lanka will aim to continue to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and to share UK experience and expertise.
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“The purpose of our Annual Report is to draw attention to human rights issues of concern in countries around the world, to encourage progress and recognize achievements made,” British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris, said.
“In the past year we have engaged closely with the Sri Lankan Government and many others to support delivery on human rights commitments.”
The Report reflects the UK’s desire to work positively with countries facing human rights challenges to help them improve their human rights performance.
The 30 HRPCs are: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burma, Burundi, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Libya, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
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