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Questions and Answers
What issue did the peaceful protesters in Sri Lanka face in 2022?
What hindered efforts to address human rights abuses from past conflicts in Sri Lanka?
During the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, what percentage did the poverty rates escalate to?
What was negatively impacted by the high inflation rate during the economic crisis in Sri Lanka?
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What did authorities in Sri Lanka try to restrict while facing peaceful protests over economic challenges?
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What was a common tactic used by authorities in Sri Lanka to suppress dissent during peaceful protests?
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What has been a significant obstacle to addressing discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country?
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Which legislation has been used to discriminate against Muslim and Tamil communities, affecting their livelihoods?
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What is a common challenge faced by NGOs in the region due to proposed amendments to laws?
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Which international bodies have called for decriminalization of same-sex acts between women?
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What do countries like India, Japan, and Australia impact in Sri Lanka according to the text?
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Which group still faces constraints on certain civil liberties despite progress made on human rights fronts?
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Study Notes
Human Rights in Sri Lanka: An Overview
Protests and Crackdown
During 2022, thousands of individuals protested against Sri Lanka's economic situation, with demands for change. However, these peaceful protests faced harsh reprisals from law enforcement agencies, who employed unlawful tactics causing fatalities and injuries. Additionally, protesters were arbitrarily arrested, taken into custody, and mistreated while being held.
Armed Conflict Legacies
Serious human rights abuses from previous conflicts continue to persist, with families of individuals who went missing still searching for answers. Efforts to address these issues have faltered due to ineffective measures in the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Economic Impact on Human Rights
The nation experienced an extreme economic crisis between 2021 and 2022, resulting in an escalation of poverty rates to 25%. The high inflation rate negatively impacted access to essential goods such as food, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, social security programs were insufficient to meet the burgeoning needs, exacerbating issues related to human rights.
Freedom of Expression, Association, and Peaceful Assembly
As peaceful protests ensued over economic challenges, authorities tried to restrict freedom of expression, association, and assembly. Emergency states of law were declared multiple times to suppress dissent, resulting in arrests of individuals who simply sought change through peaceful means. Proposed amendments to laws were aimed at further restricting NGO operations, potentially interrupting their independence and effectiveness.
Discrimination
LGBTQ+ Rights
Criminal charges for consensual same-sex acts between women remain under Section 365A-F of the Penal Code, despite calls for decriminalization by international bodies like the UN Human Rights Committee. Efforts to address this discrimination have not been successful due to resistance from local authorities.
Minority Rights
Muslim and Tamil communities continue to face discriminatory practices through the use of counterterrorism legislation, such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). This has had significant consequences for individual livelihoods, even after suspects have been released on bail, which often includes restrictions that further disadvantage these minority groups.
Key International Actors
Countries like India, Japan, and Australia, members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, maintain strategic interests in the region, affecting Sri Lanka's international relations. Additionally, efforts from the European Union and other nations to improve human rights conditions within the country have met varying success.
Despite the progress made on certain human rights fronts, various aspects of civil liberties still face constraints.
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Description
Test your knowledge on critical human rights issues in Sri Lanka, including protests and crackdown, armed conflict legacies, economic impact, freedom of expression, discrimination against LGBTQ+ and minority rights. Explore the key international actors involved in addressing human rights challenges in the country.
