Introductory
Statement of
H.E.
Mr. Ravinatha P. Aryasinha
Ambassador
/ Permanent Representative of
&
Leader
of the
At the Presentation
of
Submitted
under the
International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
07 October, 2014
The Permanent
United Nations and
other International Organizations in
Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Committee,
1.
It is an honour for my
delegation to have this interaction with the Human Rights Committee to present
2.
We acknowledge the onerous responsibility of
this Committee and look forward to
a fruitful and constructive dialogue with its Members. To facilitate this task,
the Government of Sri Lanka has included relevant senior officials who have
hands on experience on the issues that we will be discussing in this forum,
from the Ministries of Child Development and Women’s Affairs, Resettlement, Defence, Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Law and Order,
External Affairs and also representatives from the Attorney General’s
Department and the Bureau for Reconciliation.
Protracted Conflict period
Mr. Chairman,
3. Sri Lanka's last formal interaction with this Committee took place in 2003, when a short lived cessation of hostilities prevailed between the Government and the LTTE, the terrorist organization which at the time had unlawful control of 1/3 of the country's land mass and 2/3 of its coastline. However as with several such previous endeavours towards a negotiated settlement sought by successive governments of Sri Lanka during the conflict which lasted nearly 30 years, the LTTE, having used the period only to re-arm and re-group, violated the ceasefire agreement (CFA) by resuming its killing spree, most prominently by assassinating Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, the former Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka in August 2005. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) comprising delegates from Scandinavian countries who observed the CFA, ruled that the terrorist group had continued to violate the CFA through assassinations, abductions, extortions and recruitment of child soldiers and forced conscription. During all these years, the challenge which confronted successive governments was the preservation of human rights in the context of violent acts of terrorism perpetrated by LTTE.
4.
Mr.
Chairman, you described in your opening comments, that what was happening with
respect to the group that was claiming statehood in
5.
As the members of the Committee would be aware,
successive Governments and the people of
6.
This process resulted in liberating the people
of the entire Eastern province from the control of the LTTE by July 2007, which
was then followed by a prolonged military campaign in the
7.
It
must be remembered that the hallmark of the government’s approach during and after the conflict was the
centrality of all its citizens. I wish to point out that during the entirety
of the conflict, the Government continuously supplied food, medicines and other
essential requirements to the citizens who were under terrorist dominated
areas. This was done through agencies such as the ICRC, despite being fully
conscious that much of the supplies meant for civilians were being taken away
by the terrorists for their use. This process of providing humanitarian
assistance was coordinated and monitored by the Consultative Committee on
Humanitarian Assistance (CCHA) comprising the Co-Chairs of the Peace Process
(US, EU,
Post-Conflict
Period
Mr. Chairman,
8.
9.
10.
When the conflict ended on 19 May 2009,
Meeting
international obligations and engagement with the UN
Mr. Chairman,
11. In the period since presenting our last report, consistent with its international obligations, Sri Lanka has made progress in meeting its international obligations. In addition to the enactment of the ICCPR Act No. 56 of 2007, this includes the following:
· Enactment of Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 2005
· Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OP-CRC-SC) in 2006
· Signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007
· Incorporating amendments to the Act No. 28 of 1996 on “Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” in order to bring it in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
12.
In
line with its treaty body commitments, Sri Lanka continues to engage and submit
its periodic reports to the respective treaty bodies. Sri Lanka’s 3rd and 4th
Report to the Committee Against Torture came under consideration in November
2011. Sri Lanka submitted its 5th report under the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in October 2012.
In September 2013, it responded to the Concluding Observations of the Committee
on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Currently, the
Government’s 5th report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is under preparation. The Government is in the
process of preparing its reports due in 2015 under the Convention on the Rights
of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families
(CMW).
13.
Sri
Lanka continues its proactive engagement with the Human Rights Council, the
OHCHR, the UN system, including the Joint Needs Assessment with UNOCHA and
through the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2013 – 2017 signed
between the Government and the UNDP.
This provides for cooperation on human rights and good governance, as
well as “sustainable and inclusive economic growth with
equitable access to quality social services, strengthened human capabilities
and reconciliation for lasting peace”
14.
In
2013 the Government of Sri Lanka received the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Ms. Navenethem Pillay to
Sri Lanka on a week-long, comprehensive visit which included travel to the
former conflict affected areas in the North and the East; the Special
Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons. In 2014, Sri
Lanka received the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants. These
visits and exposure enabled Sri Lanka to demonstrate firsthand, the tangible
progress on the ground with regard to reconciliation and in advancing civil and
political rights. The Government has extended an invitation to the new High
Commissioner for Human Rights as well and has already begun engaging with him
constructively.
15.
In
continuation of the Government’s engagement with Special Procedures Mandate
Holders, while an invitation has already been extended to the Special
Rapporteur on Education, invitations would be considered to other Special
Rapporteurs as mutually convenient and taking into account national
imperatives. While Sri Lanka's regular engagement with the Working Group on
Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) continues, a bilateral interaction took place in Geneva last
month, as part of our ongoing engagement with
the Chair and members of the WGEID. The Government of Sri Lanka has also announced that it will seek to process the request for a visit
to Sri Lanka by the WGEID once the work of the Presidential Commission on Missing Persons (COI) in Sri Lanka concludes
its work, as the findings of the latter could have some correlation with that
of the Working Group.
Mr. Chairman,
15.
Since the last submission before this Committee,
Sri Lanka has participated in two UPR cycles - in 2008 and in 2012, where it
accepted a number of recommendations for implementation. The National Plan of Action for the Promotion
and Protection of Human Rights 2011-2016 (NHRAP) was a commitment that grew out
of our initial UPR Review in 2008. Some recommendations contained in Sri Lanka’s
Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report fall under the ambit
and scope of the NHRAP and efforts continue to consolidate our gains and to
systematically address the various issues and challenges in the field of human
rights. We will provide additional briefing on how we have embarked upon our
domestic reconciliation mechanism, based on the recommendations of the LLRC and
undertaken commitments, during the course of our discussion.
16.
Conscious that
reconciliation is a multifaceted process, and consistent with assurances made,
in order to achieve justice, accountability and reconciliation the Government
embarked on a domestic mechanism, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation
Commission (LLRC), in order to strengthen the national reconciliation process and ensure
the dividends of peace to all Sri Lankans and the full development of human
rights that evaded the population for 30 years due to the conflict. Since the public release of the LLRC Report in
December 2011, the Government is in the process of implementation of the
recommendations of the LLRC under the National Plan of Action (NPoA) with main focus on areas such as IHL Issues, Human
Rights, Land Return and Resettlement, restitution/Compensatory Relief and
Reconciliation. Consistent
with the recommendations of the LLRC, the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC)
which was set up in November 2012 to achieve a multi-party consensus in respect
of political and constitutional measures continues to endeavour
to fulfil its mandate. Despite calling for a political solution, the persistent
refusal of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to participate in this process has
been a serious impediment to achieving this objective. In September
2014, the 'Special Bureau for Reconciliation' was set up to assist the
Committee headed by Secretary to the President to effectively monitor the
progress of line ministries and agencies implementing LLRC Recommendations. The
Special Bureau will function under the authority of Secretary to the President
and carryout tasks entrusted to it facilitate the operationalization of the
National Plan of Action.
17.
A three-member Presidential
Commission of Inquiry on Missing Persons (COI) in the Northern and
Eastern Provinces appointed in August 2013 has made progress, in executing
their mandate. During 7 sittings already held in Killinochchi,
Jaffna, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu
and Mannar, the COI has received 19,471 complaints
including over 5000 from the relatives of the security forces. In order to better
execute its obligations and responsibilities, the Chair of the COI requested from the Government, assistance of international experts
in the fields of international human rights and humanitarian law. As requested,
the President appointed a five-member
Advisory Council which includes internationally recognised experts to advise
the Commission on matters pertaining to their work.
18. A Bill of “Assistance to and protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses” which safeguards the rights of victims and witnesses has been presented to Parliament in September 2014. The salient features of the Bill include, inter alia, the recognition and setting out of rights of victims of crime and entitlements of witnesses; creation of certain offences that may be committed against victims of crime and witnesses; establishment of a mechanism for inquiry into complaints against infringement or imminent infringement of rights or entitlements of victims of crime or witnesses; establishment of an authority for the purpose of administering the provisions of the Bill; establishment of a special division by the Inspector General of Police to provide assistance to victims of crime; imposing duties on courts, commissions or law enforcement authorities in providing protection to victims of crime and witnesses; establishment of a special fund to be utilized for the payment of compensation to victims of crime and providing for the recording of evidence through contemporaneous audio visual linkage from remote locations within Sri Lanka.
19.
These are significant endeavours
for a developing country to complete in so short a time. The international
community, especially those countries that have faced the challenge of emerging
from protracted conflict or continue to be embroiled in such conflict would
particularly appreciate the significance of these achievements.
Mr. Chairman,
20.
As there have been concerns raised
on alleged violations of certain civil and political rights, I wish to share
some pertinent developments in this regard.
21. The Government of Sri Lanka wishes to reaffirm and emphasize its commitment to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed to its people, by the supreme body of law in the country, the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
22. These include the freedom of thought, conscience and religion and the right to equality. In keeping with Sri Lanka’s societal, cultural and historical norms, regular dialogue continues to take place at various levels to ensure interfaith harmony and understanding amongst its diverse populace.
23. The Government is firm in its commitment to uphold law and order and bring to justice any individual or group that causes communal dissension in the country. Sri Lanka’s legislation contains necessary provisions to act against statements or behaviour intended to cause religious discord. Provisions in the Penal Code as well as specific terms of Section 3 of the ICCPR Act passed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka in 2007, also provides the means to initiate action. Whenever an alleged infringement of this right has been reported, the legal process has been set in motion. This is evidenced by the action taken to address reported incidents of disturbances as well as legal action taken against those who have violated the law of the land, once sufficient evidence has been gathered for prosecution.
24.
It must be noted that like in
all countries where a number of communities with different religious
affiliations reside, unfortunate isolated incidents can occur. As such, there have been sporadic incidents
focusing on places of worship of all four religions. Whenever an incident of
this nature has occurred, the Government has
been quick to condemn and action has been taken.
25. With reference to the incidents that took place in June 2014 in Aluthgama/Beruwala, prompt action was taken by the law enforcement authorities to bring the situation under control. The police has taken steps to investigate the incidents and to bring the suspects before courts.
148 people (116 Sinhalese and 32 Muslims) have been arrested so far. Three (03) have been remanded, three (03) have been granted police bail and 142 have been granted court bail. In addition, the police has reported facts to court, in 461 cases, on the basis of complaints made.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka Police has been assigned to conduct an overall investigation on the incident. In the course of its investigations, the CID has questioned suspects including those who were alleged to have indulged in hate speech, which includes 8 Buddhist monks. Upon completion of investigations, the report will be referred to the Attorney General for advice on the institution of legal proceedings.
In order to expedite the repair and reconstruction of damaged property, the Sri Lanka security forces were instructed, by President Rajapaksa, to undertake this task. So far, construction work on 55 houses and 13 commercial buildings have been completed. The work on 114 houses and 34 commercial buildings are in progress.
Following the incident, sustained campaigns aimed at promoting religious harmony and creating greater understanding between communities have been launched by the government, civil society, professionals, academics, business and community leaders.
Mr. Chairman,
26.
The Constitution of Sri Lanka recognizes the
sacrosanct right that “all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to
the equal protection of the law” (Article 12 (1)). Article 14 (1) (a) of our
Constitution, is the bulwark upon which every citizen of the country
irrespective of political affiliations or ideology, is able to enjoy the right
to speech and expression, including publication enshrined in the
Constitution. Any alleged transgression
of these rights, enables the citizens who feel aggrieved to resort to legal
remedies available under the laws of Sri Lanka.
27.
In this context, the government of Sri Lanka is fully
committed to the protection of human rights defenders and media personnel or
institutions. Although no special laws have been formulated
with regard to these specific groups, any person who seeks to facilitate or
vindicate human rights has the option of filing a Fundamental Rights
application in the Supreme Court, or a Writ Application in the Court of Appeal,
or making a complaint before the National Human Rights Commission, on their own
behalf or in the public interest. The full gamut of constitutional guarantees,
including effective remedies, is available to individuals or groups who wish to
espouse social causes and advocacy, also encompassing the area of human rights,
or to canvass for the rights of media personnel. The wide range of interactions that High
Commissioner Navenethem Pillay had
with civil society during her visit in
2013, as well as the active engagement of civil society from Sri Lanka
in successive Human Rights Council
sessions stand testimony to the
vibrant nature of Sri Lanka’s civil society and the freedoms they enjoy.
28.
Further,
in recent years, the spread of social media networks and online news outlets have contributed to the diversity and
the increased speed of propagation of information throughout the country at
large. The wide spectrum of views on display in Sri Lanka is amply demonstrated
by its print and electronic media, much of which is fiercely critical of the
Government. Despite some of the views expressed being on occasion vituperative
and targeted at individuals, it is nevertheless recognized that this is the
price to be met for upholding the democratic norms of a free and vibrant media.
It should also be noted that during the period of the present Government, no
press censorship has been imposed. Further the law relating to criminal
defamation has been repealed by Parliament. Further, in order to ensure media
freedom, the Government of Sri Lanka is seeking to strengthen grievance
mechanisms which include complaints to Police, processing Fundamental Rights
applications filed in the Supreme Court and complaints to the Press Council.
29.
It is important to note that media pluralism is
well established in Sri Lanka and that the State has no monopoly of the means
of communication which is a matter of concern in many settings in the context
of the principle of freedom of expression enshrined in article 19 of the
Covenant. Out of 217 newspapers
registered in the country as at 2014 while 31 are state owned, 186 are private
sector owned. With respect to radio channels, out of a total of 54 channels
while 18 are state owned 36 are private sector owned. As for television channels, out of 25 such
channels, while 7 are state owned 18 are private sector owned.
30.
The
right to freedom of speech and expression including publication can be
restricted in so far as provided in Article 15(2), 15(7) and 15(8) of the
Constitution of Sri Lanka. In all such
instances, the restrictions have to be prescribed by law. Under Article 15(2),
restrictions are permitted in the interests of racial and religious harmony or
in relation to parliamentary privileges, contempt of court, and defamation or
incitement to an offence.
31.
Under Article 15(7),
restrictions are permitted in the interests of national security, public order
and the protection of public health or morality or for the purpose of securing
due recognition and respect for the rights and freedom of others or of meeting
the just requirements of the general welfare of a democratic society.
32.
Article
15(8) applies only to members of the Armed Forces, Police and other forces
charged with the maintenance of public order, and restrictions are permitted in
the interest of proper discharge of their duties and the maintenance of
discipline among them.
33.
Taking
cognizance of the provisions of Article 19 (3) of the ICCPR, which specifically
qualifies the right to freedom of expression, it is imperative that such a
right should not be abused in a manner that is disrespectful to others. In this
context, due consideration has been given in Article 28 (e) of the Constitution
of Sri Lanka, that imposes a constitutional duty on every person in Sri Lanka
that the exercise and the enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from
the performance of duties and obligations. Therefore, it is the duty of every
person to respect the rights and freedoms of others in the exercise and
enjoyment of one’s rights and
freedoms. In this context, dissemination of content with the intention of
causing incitement among the communities, propagating hate speech and
defamatory statements have not
been condoned by the courts of Sri Lanka and the government would continue to
ensure the exercise of such rights in accordance with the constitutional duties
cast upon its people.
34.
Whilst
there remains certain unresolved cases of violence against media personnel,
there is no restriction placed on what may be reported by the press. The law of
evidence plays the most crucial role, and due process is required for
prosecution. This should not be interpreted as unwillingness on the part of the
Government to bring perpetrators to justice. The Government is also pursuing
investigations into current cases of alleged attacks on media personnel and
institutions.
Mr. Chairman,
35.
Although the LTTE has been militarily defeated
in Sri Lanka in May 2009, the threat of terrorism has not abated. Its overseas
network which includes a number of trained cadre, funded by some sections of
the expatriate Tamil community, continues to remain in place, posing a medium
and long term security challenge to Sri Lanka and the region. Therefore, Sri
Lanka has to be continuously vigilant to safeguard against any resurgence of
terrorism in the country. Details of such activity has been comprehensively
explained by Sri Lanka to the Human Rights Council.
36.
In March
2014, the Government of Sri Lanka took measures to designate entities and
persons pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1373, against whom there was
cogent evidence of financing the committing, attempting to commit, facilitating
or participating in the commission of acts of terrorism. This designating
process is reviewed periodically. Those designated entities and persons have
recourse to an appeal procedure provided for in the said Regulation where they
can furnish evidence that they are not linked to terrorist organizations and
thereby challenge the listing in a Court of Law.
37.
Further,
some statements made by political leaders as well as other prominent members of
society in the North can be construed to incite violence and a possible
resurgence of terrorism. As the use of terrorism to secure political and
ideological objectives including a separate state remains a possibility, the
time is not right as yet to repeal the PTA.
38.
It was a fundamental obligation of
the Government of Sri Lanka, as a democratic state, to protect its citizens
from terrorism, and protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Terrorism, as you all know, has a direct impact on human rights – on the
physical integrity of individuals, their right to life and liberty. In
addition, terrorism can destabilize Governments, jeopardise
peace and security and negatively impact on social and economic developments
which in turn deprives people of the full enjoyment of human rights.
Conclusion
Mr. Chairman,
39. The situation in Sri Lanka is no different to any other country that is traversing through a transition period following a protracted conflict. We have endeavoured with commitment and dedication to address issues related to civil and political rights in Sri Lanka. Given the challenges at hand what we request is an objective assessment of Sri Lanka and in that spirit, we are open to constructive criticism. We look forward to a fruitful dialogue with the distinguished members of the Committee and trust that your recommendations would assist the Government of Sri Lanka to carry forward the productive measures taken so far in the promotion and protection of civil and political rights.
Thank you