UN Human Rights Commissioner concerned over proposed 20th Amendment

by Zulfick Farzan 14-09-2020 | 5:16 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said she is troubled the new Government of Sri Lanka is swiftly reneging on its commitments to the Human Rights Council since it withdrew its support for resolution 30/1.

In a statement to the 45th session of the Human Rights Council she said, among other developments, the proposed 20th amendment to the Constitution may negatively impact the independence of key institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission.

The surveillance and intimidation of victims, their families, human rights defenders, journalists, and lawyers should cease immediately, she added.

"I encourage the Council to give renewed attention to Sri Lanka, in view of the need to prevent threats to peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development," Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.