UK Human Rights Report 2011: Sri Lanka named as a country of concern

Sri Lanka was named as a country of concern in the UK Foreign Office Human Rights Report for 2011. The report was launched by the UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague.

The report covers thematic issues, highlighting the UK’s global human rights priorities and countries of concern. It also features case studies, designed to highlight particular FCO activity or issues of concern in certain countries which do not overall meet the threshold for inclusion among the 28 ‘countries of concern’. There are also new chapters to reflect events of the Arab Spring and to set out the FCO’s priorities on human rights.

The section on Sri Lanka, which is a country of concern, focuses on accountability for alleged war crimes, respect for human rights – freedom of expression, minority rights, women’s rights – a political settlement in a post-conflict era and abductions and disappearances, among other themes.

On the issue of allegations in the media of returning migrants and refugees being abused, the report states that “All such allegations in respect of returnees from the UK were investigated by our High Commission and no evidence was found to substantiate them.”

Returnees were encouraged to contact the British High Commission if they required assistance, the UK Government states.

In the foreword to the report, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said, “The promotion and protection of human rights is at the heart of UK foreign policy. We are determined to pursue every opportunity to promote human rights and political and economic freedom around the world. Individual demands for a better life can only truly be satisfied in open and democratic societies.”

Excerpt from the report on Sri Lanka; MORE..