Sri Lanka: HRDs prevented from cooperating with UN and intimidated in aftermath of visit UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Event- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Initial Date
- Mar 7, 2013
- Event Description
On 10 February 2014, allegations of intimidation and reprisals, including death threats, were raised concerning members of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement, including in connection with the visit of the High Commissioner. On 7 March 2013, Jude Besil Sosai Anthirai was prevented from travelling to Colombo to the United Nations compound, where he wished to submit a petition. On 22 August 2013, Sanja Sandanadas was questioned at her home by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department about her work and told not to organize any event during the visit of the High Commissioner. On 3 September 2013, Selvakumar Krishnapillai was questioned several times by two men about a petition presented to the High Commissioner; two days later he was asked to report to the Ministry of Defence. At the time of finalization of the present report, no reply had been received from the Government to a joint communication sent by several special procedures mandate holders.
- Impact of Event
- 3
- Violation
- Intimidation and Threats
- Judicial Harassment
- Reprisal as Result of Communication
- Rights Concerned
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of movement
- Source
- Monitoring Status
- Not active
- Event Location
Latitude: 6.9270786
Longitude: 79.861243
- Event Location
- Summary for Publications
In 2013, several members of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) were prevented from engaging with the UN. HRDs were also intimidated in connection with the visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in August 2013. On 7 March 2013, Mr Jude Besil Sosai Anthirai was prevented from travelling to Colombo to the UN compound, where he wished to submit a petition. On 22 August 2013, Sanja Sandanadas was questioned at her home by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department about her work and told not to organise any event during the visit of the High Commissioner. On 3 September 2013, Selvakumar Krishnapillai was questioned several times by two men about a petition presented to the High Commissioner; two days later he was asked to report to the Ministry of Defence.