Humanists International Calls for Repeal of Repressive Laws in Sri Lanka at the UN
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Original Link: https://humanists.international/2024/09/humanists-international-calls-for-repeal-of-repressive-laws-in-sri-lanka-at-the-un/
Publication Date: September 11, 2024
Organization: Humanists International
Organization Description: Humanists International is the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. Inspired by humanist values, we are optimistic for a world where everyone can have a dignified and fulfilling life. We build, support and represent the global humanist movement and work to champion human rights and secularism. We support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
At the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Humanists International has delivered a statement outlining the increasing intolerance toward the non-religious
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 The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), originally enacted to combat insurgencies, has been criticized internationally for allowing indefinite detention without trial.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.
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