FORUM-ASIA has also made a statement regarding the current developments
in Sri Lanka, to highlight a range of grave human rights concerns in Sri
Lanka, which have persisted despite the conclusion of the offensive
between the State armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
(LTTE).
FORUM-ASIA has also made a statement regarding the current developments in Sri Lanka, to highlight a range of grave human rights concerns in Sri Lanka, which have persisted despite the conclusion of the offensive between the State armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Mr. President, we regret that there remains a lack of independent and reliable information regarding the conditions of detainees who are on suspicion of being LTTE cadres. Many of such detainees have been denied access to legal counsel to challenge their detention before a court of law. Additionally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not been granted adequate access to visit the detainees. The National Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has also been obstructed by the state authorities despite its statutory right and obligation. Meanwhile, families and inmates have revealed information about torture and disappearances within detention centers. In this respect, we urge the government of Sri Lanka to provide a centralized list of such detainees and enable access to lawyers, ICRC and other statutory bodies and individuals.
Please read rest of the statement here.
(Photo courtesy of AFP)
