LRWC member Vani Sevalrajah attended the 14th Session of the UPR of Sri Lanka October 30-November 1 in Geneva. The UPR provided an opportunity to review efforts made by Sri Lanka to fulfill obligations human rights obligations and to address on going problems regarding: loss of independence of key national institutions including the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission; erosion of the independence of the judiciary; and impunity. While Government rhetoric suggests that all is well in Sri Lanka, observations by Sri Lankan civil society and international organizations reflect a very different reality.
An October 31st side event in Geneva, “Rhetoric and Reality,” highlighted the urgent need for action to remedy serious human rights violations carried out during the conflict and to stop ongoing violations. The event was organised by the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) and co-sponsored by Amnesty International, Asian Legal Resource Centre, Franciscans International, Human Rights Watch and Lawyers Rights Watch Canada.
To view the event poster, please click here.
