As a long-standing partner, Australia says it remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka implement its human rights obligations and advance reconciliation and transitional justice.

“We recognise the High Commissioner’s concerns, including on harassment and intimidation of civil society, the erosion of democratic checks and balances, and the introduction of laws which further limit freedom of expression, opinion, and association,” the Australian delegation at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva said.

As Sri Lanka approaches its elections, Australia encourage its to recommit to the changes needed to actively protect rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to work towards transitional justice and reconciliation.