UNHRC: Core Group Urges PTA Repeal & Human Rights Reforms 📈

• Overall Status: At the 61st UNHRC session, the Sri Lanka Core Group (UK, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia) called for the immediate repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and raised concerns over the proposed replacement bill. • Security & Legislation: The group warned that the new Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill poses greater risks than previous drafts. They emphasized that any counter-terrorism framework must align with international human rights obligations. • Reconciliation & Land: While acknowledging progress in conflict-era memorialisation and some land releases, the group noted the pace of returning military-held land remains slow. • Accountability & Justice: Institutional Weakness: Limited concrete results on transitional justice and emblematic human rights cases. Protection Issues: Ongoing threats against witnesses, victims, and journalists were highlighted. Proposed Action: Urgent calls to establish a functional independent prosecutor’s office and address conflict-related sexual violence. • Note: Based on the joint statement delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders on March 3, 2026.