UNHRC Expresses Concerns Over Sri Lanka’s Revised Anti-Terrorism Bill

Date:

January 20, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations Human Rights Office has voiced serious concerns regarding the revised Anti-Terrorism Bill currently under consideration by the Sri Lankan parliament. The proposed legislation, intended to replace the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), has been criticized for perpetuating past human rights violations and failing to adhere to international standards.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that the repeal of the PTA should mark a turning point for meaningful reform in Sri Lanka’s internal security approach. However, the current proposed law raises alarms as it risks perpetuating historical patterns of rights violations.

According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, the bill defines acts of “terrorism” too broadly, restricts judicial guarantees, especially in challenging the lawfulness of detention orders, and limits the Human Rights Commission’s ability to visit places of detention, among other problematic provisions.

The statement issued by the UN office warned that if passed in its current form, the Bill would grant excessive powers to the executive, lacking adequate safeguards against potential abuse of these powers.

The United Nations Human Rights Office urged Sri Lankan authorities to revise the Bill and align it fully with the country’s international human rights obligations.

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Breaking News: Venezuelan Politician Maria Corina Machado Awarded 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded...

Ban the Bag? Lessons from Britain—and Sri Lanka’s Reality Check

By Roger Srivasan Introduction I was born in the Northern part...

Dhammika part sells ComBank stake for Rs. 5.5 b

Business leader Dhammika Perera yesterday part sold his stake...

Colombo Port Achieves Record Profit in 2025 amid Strategic Expansion

The Port of Colombo has reported a record net...