UNHRC to discuss Rapporteur’s report on Sri Lanka on Monday

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is to discuss a report on Sri Lanka on Monday.

The UNHRC is to consider the report of the former Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers by the new mandate holder, Diego García-Sayán, on his mission to Sri Lanka.

The report is to be discussed on Monday during the ongoing session of the UNHRC in Geneva.

The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Mónica Pinto, visited Sri Lanka from 29 April to 7 May 2016, at the invitation of the Government, to assess the situation and remaining challenges concerning the independence of judges, prosecutors and lawyers and the proper administration of justice. The visit was conducted jointly with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, Juan E. Méndez.

In addition to visiting Colombo, the Special Rapporteur travelled to Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Kandy. The Rapporteur met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Law and Order and the Minister for Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs; the Governors of the Central, North Central and Northern Provinces; and representatives of the Judicial Service Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Legal Aid Commission, the National Police Commission and the Judges’ Institute. 

She also held meetings with the Chief Justice and judges from all tiers, the Attorney-General and State counsels, representatives of the Sri Lanka Bar Association, lawyers, academics, representatives of civil society and members of the diplomatic community. (Colombo Gazette)