UNHCHR SOUNDS ALARM ON EMERGENCY REGULATIONS

Says OHCHR will closely monitor it | Raises concerns on a number of areas | Takes note of Easter Sunday bomb victims, religious leaders calling for justice

- KELUM BANDARA

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle Bachelet, in her oral update on Sri Lanka, said the emergency regulations enforced in Sri Lanka in recent times with the stated objective of ensuring food security and price controls, are very broad and may expand the further role of military role in civilian functions. She said her office would monitor the situation.

In her address made in Geneva, Switzerland, she raised concerns on a number of areas and acknowledged the inputs sent by the Sri Lankan government.

“The current social, economic and governance challenges faced by Sri Lanka indicate the corrosive impact that militarisation and the lack of accountability continue to have on fundamental rights, civic space, democratic institutions, social cohesion and sustainable development.

A new state of emergency was declared in Sri Lanka on 30 August, with the stated aim of ensuring food security and price controls, amid a deepening recession. The emergency regulations are very broad and may further expand the role of the military in civilian functions. The Office will be closely monitoring their application,” she said.