France stated that it was concerned about the recent arrests of several human rights defenders in Sri Lanka and added that it was closely monitoring the human rights situation in the country.




The French Embassy published a statement from the Spokesman of the French Foreign Ministry expressing France’s concern over the situation in Sri Lanka and its call for the Lankan authorities to guarantee respect for the rule of law.



It added that it was supportive of the drafting of a resolution at the UNHRC in order to remind Sri Lanka of the need to implement measures to ensure reconciliation which in turn requires respect for human rights and actions to counter impunity.



Full statement:



France is concerned about the recent arrest in Sri Lanka of several human rights defenders who are recognized and respected for their actions in this area.



We call on the authorities of Sri Lanka to fully guarantee respect for the rule of law.



France is closely monitoring the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. It currently supports the drafting of a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council, in order to remind the authorities of Sri Lanka of the need to implement measures to ensure national reconciliation, which requires respect for human rights under all circumstances and actions to combat impunity.