UN Special Rapporteurs arrive

by manjula Fernando

The two UN Special Rapporteurs on Independence of the Judiciary and Torture will submit reports on Sri Lanka's progress to the UN Human Rights Council during the March and June sessions next year.

Invited by the Government, the two experts, Mónica Pinto, Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and Juan E. Méndez, Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment arrived in the country on Friday.

The office of the Human Rights Chief in Geneva said the two specialists will carry out a visit to Sri Lanka to weigh up recent developments and identify challenges facing the country. Their mandate will be to assess 'independence of the judiciary and the legal profession, due process and fair trial guarantees and access to justice.

Their work also involves appraising the government action to eradicate torture and other ill-treatment, action to promote accountability and fulfill victims' right to reparations.

"Sri Lanka is at a crucial moment in its history and we hope that our recommendations will contribute to setting out a path for the future that will be fully aligned with the international human rights obligations of the country," the Special Rapporteurs said in Geneva before leaving for Colombo.

They added, "We are encouraged by the recent steps taken by the Government to advance respect for human rights."

The two experts are scheduled to visit Northern, North Central, Eastern, Central and Southern provinces. The office of the High Commissioner said, 'Accessing places where persons are detained will also be a key component of this visit.' "Their mandate involves surprise visits and the rapporteurs will not be accompanied by a liaison officer from the foreign ministry," an official source here said.