Human Rights Council: 42nd Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Sri Lanka

Mr President,

Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes the delegation from Sri Lanka. We note the myriad of challenges that Sri Lanka is facing, amidst an ongoing political and economic crisis.

New Zealand recommends that Sri Lanka

1. Works to protect its vibrant democracy, by safeguarding freedom of expression and peaceful protest and continuing to hold timely elections as scheduled in law.
2. Upholds its commitment to a de-facto moratorium on the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and works to replace it in line with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.
3. Maintains its de facto moratorium on the death penalty and take steps towards its abolition, including ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
4. Takes further steps to eradicate all forms of discrimination and violence against minority communities [including women, girls, disabled and LGBTQI+ communities].
5. In accordance with resolution 51/1, constructively promotes post-conflict reconciliation, domestic accountability and human rights.

We wish Sri Lanka all the best for its review.

Thank you, Mr President.