UN expert launches first mission to Sri Lanka

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-terrorism Ben Emmerson is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from July 10 to 14 to gather first-hand information on initiatives in counter-terrorism and assess how they affect the promotion and protection of human rights, the UN announced yesterday.

“I will seek to provide assistance in the discussion of the country’s policy and legal framework on counterterrorism, as well as in the preparation and drafting of relevant legislative acts, with a view to ensuring that measures taken by the Government are in compliance with international human rights law,” Mr. Emmerson said.

During his five-day mission to the country, Mr. Emmerson is scheduled to have high-level meetings with representatives of the Government, including the ministries responsible for foreign affairs, law and order, Southern development, justice, defence, finance, media, prison reforms, rehabilitation, resettlement and Hindu religious affairs.

The Special Rapporteur will also meet law enforcement officials, members of parliament, members of specialized police departments, the National Police Commission and the Human Rights Commission.

In addition, he will go to places of detention to interview persons suspected or convicted of terrorist crimes, the UN stated.

Mr. Emmerson, who visits Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Government, will also hold talks with representatives of the international community, lawyers, academics, and nongovernmental organizations. He will visit Colombo and spend several days in other areas of the country, including Anuradhapura and Vavuniya.

Mr. Emmerson will also share his preliminary observations with the media during a press conference on July 14.

The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report with his findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2018