Two UN Special Rapporteurs to visit in April

Monday, 29 February 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Two United Nations Special Rapporteurs are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in April after the Government has given approval regarding the proposed dates.

United Nations in a statement said Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Mónica Pinto and Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment Juan Méndez will jointly visit Sri Lanka in an effort to strengthen the judicial system in the island.

They will engage in an official tour of the island from 29 April to 7 May 2016.

The Special Rapporteurs will assess the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession, as well as the functioning of the justice system in the country, and make recommendations.

They will focus their attention on alleged violations pertaining to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary over the years.

Their visit will also focus on providing the Sri Lankan judicial system with technical assistance.

Following their visit, the UN officials will submit a report containing their observations and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council.