UN Rapporteur criticises Sri Lanka’s national media

by admin
Mar 5, 2012
Speaking at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders sharply criticised Sri Lanka’s national media for campaigning against and endangering human rights defenders on the island.

Addressing the session, Margaret Sekaggya stated,
"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."

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