ASIA: Human rights situations in Sri Lanka and the Philippines require action by the Council

Concerning Sri Lanka, following the end of the conflict, the ALRC has witnessed a serious clampdown on human rights defenders and on the freedom of expression. We are deeply concerned by recent reports of an alleged hit-list comprising Sri Lankan human rights defenders and journalists. We are also gravely concerned by reported threats of arbitrary arrest of prominent defender J.C. Weliamuna, the Chairperson of Transparency International Sri Lanka. Intervention with the government of Sri Lanka is also vital in order to halt the country's march down the road to autocracy, perpetual impunity and the abandonment of human rights. http://www.alrc.net/doc/mainfile.php/alrc_st2010/606