Humanists International called attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Sri Lanka, focusing on the increasing intolerance toward religious minorities, including the non-religious. The statement was delivered by Leon Langdon, the organization’s Advocacy Officer, during the Interactive Dialogue on the Written Update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Situation of Human Rights in Sri Lanka.
The statement highlighted several concerning legislative measures employed by the Sri Lankan government to suppress dissent. He noted the misuse of laws like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the Online Safety Act. These laws grant the government broad enforcement powers, which can be used with minimal judicial oversight. The statement also pointed to the troubling establishment of a special police task force on religious freedom, citing arrests made for “insulting” religion, in violation of international standards on freedom of religion or belief.
Humanists International Advocacy Officer, Leon Langdon, delivers the statement by video.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has seen a rise in nationalist and fundamentalist rhetoric from political leaders, exacerbating the climate of intolerance. The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), originally enacted to combat insurgencies, has been criticized internationally for allowing indefinite detention without trial. Amendments proposed to the PTA have not alleviated concerns regarding its sweeping and potentially abusive provisions.
Humanists International last highlighted the human rights situation in Sri Lanka as part of the country’s Universal Periodic Review in 2023.
Featured photo by Chathura Anuradha Subasinghe on Unsplash
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