Welcoming progress made in protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country, the European Union called for continuation and consolidation of the achievements in the future.
The call was made at the fourth meeting of EU and Sri Lanka Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the European Union-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo on Friday.
The meeting was held in keeping with regular bilateral exchanges between the European Union and Sri Lanka, as well as to review commitments the country has made to re-enter the EU GSP+ preferential trade scheme.
Sri Lanka’s commitment to implement the international conventions ratified by Sri Lanka on human rights, labour rights, the protection of the environment and good governance gained the country re-admission to the special trade regime of the EU in 2017.
During the working group meeting, advancing women and children’s rights, enforcing non-discrimination on any grounds, addressing the rights of persons belonging to minorities, finalising the return of land, were also discussed. The officials have also reviewed the Progress on implementation of the zero-tolerance of torture.
The EU also reiterated its opposition to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances and encouraged Sri Lanka to maintain its moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.
The EU and Sri Lanka have agreed to strengthen cooperation and dialogue on counter-terrorism in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
It has also been stressed the need for new counter-terrorism legislation in line with international standards and human rights.
The conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group will be reported to the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission to be held in Colombo.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Director-General for European Union and Commonwealth Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dhammika Semasinghe.
The delegation of the European Union was led by Head of Division for Regional Affairs and South Asia of the European External Action Service Caroline Vinot. ReplyReply allForward