The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has pointed out that it is crucial for Sri Lanka to safeguard representative democracy by maintaining voters’ confidence in the country’s electoral systems.
Delivering a joint statement by the Core Group on Sri Lanka, at the ongoing UNHRC sessions, the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador Rita French urged Sri Lankan authorities to protect freedoms of expression and association.
Addressing the session on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the UK and the United States, UK’s Human Rights Ambassador Rita French called on the government of Sri Lanka to protect freedoms of expression and association.
Ms. French, also mentioned that they welcome Sri Lanka’s initial steps, a basis to protect rights expressing that the UNHRC remain concerned on the continuous use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Furthermore, the government should protect freedoms of expression and association, she said, adding that transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, is also important.
“It is vital to safeguard representative democracy”, Ms. French asserted.
