Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s new government has taken several positive steps including lifting media restrictions, ceasing a pervasive culture of surveillance, and reviewing all cases of those detained under the country’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act. It amended the constitution to restore independence to the public services commissions. In a welcome change from previous years, the new government agreed to a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council’s September 2015 session, which mandates the creation of various transitional justice mechanisms, including an accountability mechanism for war crimes. The government has embarked on a national consultation and will report to the HRC in June 2016 on progress made in implementing the resolution. 

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