Human-rights cases · Sri Lanka

Alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of three human rights activists. According to the information received, on 13 March 2014, Ms. Balendran Jayakumari, a human rights activist working on the issue of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka, and her 13-year-old daughter, were arrested in Kilinochchi by soldiers on suspicion of sheltering a fugitive. A 16-day detention order was subsequently issued against Ms. Jayakumari under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and her daughter was handed to a childcare institution. Ms. Jayakumari was reportedly physically assaulted by the soldiers. On 16 March, Mr. Ruki Fernando and Rev. Praveen Omi, two human rights defenders, were arrested by officers from the Terrorist Investigation Division in Kilinochchi while looking into the arrests that were made on 13 March. They were detained and questioned under the PTA and afterwards transferred to Vavunia, and then Colombo, for further questioning. On 19 March, both men were released without condition. Reportedly, the police announced that Mr. Fernando, and possibly Rev. Praveen Omi, will be the subject of further investigations. Serious concerns are expressed that the arrest and detention of Ms. Jayakumari, Mr. Fernando and Rev. Praveen Omi may be linked to their legitimate human rights activities. Alleged victims: 3 More details...

Alleged acts of intimidation and reprisals, including death threats, directed against human rights defenders. According to the information received, members of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) have been the subject of acts of intimidation and reprisals, including in some instances in connection with the visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay, to Sri Lanka from 25 to 31 August 2013. Serious concern is raised about allegations that some of the harassment was carried out by self-identified police personnel. Grave concern is also expressed that in some cases, members of NAFSO might have experienced acts of reprisals for cooperating or trying to cooperate with the United Nations, including its mechanisms and representatives in the field on human rights. Alleged victims: 4 More details...