Sri Lanka unveils 'action plan' to improve human rights

AFP | The Straits Times
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Sri Lanka on Thursday announced a new move to address human rights issues in the face of international pressure over war crimes allegations arising from the end of the island's civil war.

The government said it hoped to strengthen civil liberties and ensure better human rights compliance through the implementation of what it called a 'National Action Plan', which was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday.

Details of the plan were not disclosed, but a government statement said it would largely involve setting up committees to monitor implementation of existing laws and to ensure better understanding and respect for civil rights.

Sri Lanka narrowly avoided censure at last month's United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva, despite a UN expert report highlighting 'credible' allegations of abuses by government troops in their final victory over Tamil rebels.

© AFP