ORAL STATEMENT
Humanists International
57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (1June 2023 to 14 July 2023)
Item 2: OHCHR Report on Sri Lanka
Speaker: Leon Langdon
Mr President,
We thank the High Commissioner for his important report. Humanists International remains deeply concerned about the Sri Lankan government’s increasing intolerance towards religious minorities, including the non-religious.
As the Report highlights, there are numerous legislative tools being employed by the government to repress dissent. The ICCPR Act, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and its proposed amendments,[1] and the new Online Safety Act convey upon the government sweeping enforcement powers that can be used with vague and broad justifications and minimal judicial oversight.[2] Moreover, we are concerned about the creation of a special police task force on religious freedom.[3] Worryingly, arrests have been made on the grounds of “insulting” religion,[4] or for making remarks detrimental to religious harmony, in violation of the international standards on the right to freedom of religion or belief.[5] These laws are inherently tools for repression of dissenting voices, including minorities.[6]
Furthermore, we have seen a rise in fundamentalist and ultra-nationalist rhetoric from senior political figures in the country.[7] This speech contributes to a culture of violence that religious minorities are living under in Sri Lanka. Violence and threats against atheists,[8] Muslims,[9] Christians,[10] and Hindus[11] have been documented at length and exemplify the further closing of civic space for safe and open participation in public life in Sri Lanka.
We reaffirm that the right to FoRB must extend to all, including religious minorities, and the non-religious. FoRB and the right to freedom of expression go hand in hand, and we urge the Sri Lankan government to amend or repeal these laws, as per the High Commissioner’s recommendations.
We urge Sri Lanka to honour its rich and pluralistic society, and to work to protect freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and to counter violence and hostility against minorities.
Thank you.
[1] A/HRC/57/19, B, 13, 14; https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/un-experts-say-sri-lankas-counter-terrorism-bill-fails-heed-their
[2] A/HRC/57/19, B, 14; https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/01/sri-lanka-online-safety-act-major-blow-to-freedom-of-expression/
[3] https://adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=95630
[4] A/HRC/57/19, B, 13; https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Controversial-monk-Vishwa-Buddha-arrested-again-by-CID/108-275424;
[5] https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Controversial-remarks-on-Buddhism-Natasha-released-from-case/108-285244; https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/Pastor-Jerome-Fernando-remanded/155-272401
[6] https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/17/sri-lanka-false-terrorism-cases-enable-repression
[7] https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/sri-lankan-ultra-nationalist-politician-alleges-international-plot-denigrate-buddhism
[8] https://fot.humanists.international/countries/asia-southern-asia/sri-lanka/#:~:text=Ismath%2C47-,https%3A//humanists.international/case%2Dof%2Dconcern/rishvin%2Dismath/,-was%20made%20public
[9] https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024%20Sri%20Lanka%20Country%20Update.pdf
[10] https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024%20Sri%20Lanka%20Country%20Update.pdf
[11] https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/sri-lankan-police-intimidation-and-sinhala-online-threats-mar-mullaitivu-temple-festivities
'Repressive Laws in Sri Lanka', Humanists International