Complaint to UN Human Rights Council

2024-01-22

 

 

Photo courtesy – SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 afternoon demanding the immediate cancellation of the controversial “Online Safety Bill.” by – lankanewsweb.net

 

Concern over the possible violation of Sri Lankans’ human rights is escalating as the Online Safety Bill is set to be introduced to the Sri Lankan’s parliament on January 23, 2024. The bill has been the target of numerous domestic and international opposition. Notably, on November 20, 2023, the Sri Lankan government received a communication from three special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council expressing concerns over the planned Broadcasting Regulatory Commission Act and the Online Safety Act (also known as the Online Safety Bill). Unfortunately, the Sri Lankan government has not addressed these concerns in a constructive manner.

Therefore, this complaint was filed on January 8th to Special Rapporteurs on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Expression and Expression, Ms. Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, Mr. Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, and Special Rapporteur on Privacy, Ms. Ana Brian Nougrères.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka received 45 petitions opposing the Online Security Bill and found 31 of the clauses to be unconstitutional. It determined that the bill might be approved by a simple majority in Parliament by making changes to unconstitutional clauses or by adopting it by special majority (two thirds) even with the unconstitutional clauses. This gives the two-thirds parliamentary majority dictatorial government unrestricted power to disregard citizens’ fundamental rights.

As human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and concerned citizens, we vehemently denounce this grave infringement on Sri Lankans’ right to free speech and expression. The government in power appears to be taking measures to quell popular criticism, exhibiting a narrow-minded, biased, and repressive mindset.

The rulers, in their efforts to hide cronies and stifle opposition, are driving towards a state of anarchy where the rule of law is in peril. Arbitrary arrest, assaults, and threats have become commonplace, with journalists, social activists, and trade unionists primarily bearing the brunt. A major source of worry is the infiltration of people with criminal records into state administration. This is demonstrated by the appointment of Mr. Deshbandu Tennakoon, an individual convicted by the Supreme Court, as the Acting Inspector General of Police.

With the support of 21 civic activists, journalists, lawyers this complaint has been forwarded to three special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council in an attempt to protect the human rights of all Sri Lankan citizens in light of these concerning circumstances.

 

Click here to read the appeal