The Sri Lankan government stepped up pressure in 2014 on human rights activists and journalists, particularly those urging justice for past war crimes, Human Rights Watch said in its World Report 2015 released today. A new government, elected in January 2015, should order investigations into arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and killings since the final military operations in 2009.
In the 656-page world report, its 25th edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in more than 90 countries. In his introductory essay, Executive Director Kenneth Roth urges governments to recognize that human rights offer an effective moral guide in turbulent times, and that violating rights can spark or aggravate serious security challenges. The short-term gains of undermining core values of freedom and non-discrimination are rarely worth the long-term price.
Sri Lanka’s new government, elected after the world report was finalized, has already taken important measures to improve free expression and other rights: blocked news websites were restored, media restrictions have been eased, and a fresh investigation ordered into the 2009 killing of journalist Lasantha Wickeramatunge. Activists and journalists report a lifting of government surveillance and pressure. The government has also asked for a list of all detainees held under the abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act for review. Full story...
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In the 656-page world report, its 25th edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in more than 90 countries. In his introductory essay, Executive Director Kenneth Roth urges governments to recognize that human rights offer an effective moral guide in turbulent times, and that violating rights can spark or aggravate serious security challenges. The short-term gains of undermining core values of freedom and non-discrimination are rarely worth the long-term price.
Sri Lanka’s new government, elected after the world report was finalized, has already taken important measures to improve free expression and other rights: blocked news websites were restored, media restrictions have been eased, and a fresh investigation ordered into the 2009 killing of journalist Lasantha Wickeramatunge. Activists and journalists report a lifting of government surveillance and pressure. The government has also asked for a list of all detainees held under the abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act for review. Full story...
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