Special Rapporteur on human rights workers yesterday criticized the Sri Lankan national media.
Addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions, Ms Margaret Sekaggya said: “Regarding other parts of the world, I have once again been alerted that should human rights defenders in Sri Lanka seek the protection of my mandate, they, their families and colleagues may be subject to reprisals.
This ongoing situation, combined with smear campaigns against defenders in national media, is of great concern to me.”
“Legislative moves and increased enforcement of existing laws have led to increased criminalization of human rights work in different countries. This is an issue of great concern, which I will look closely into and raise awareness about this year.”
IS