Sri Lanka· 2007In forceRestricts
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act 2007 (Sri Lanka)
ජාත්යන්තර සිවිල් හා දේශපාලන අයිතිවාසිකම් සම්බන්ධ ගිවිසුම පිළිබඳ පනත
Peaceful assemblyProtest rightsFreedom of association
Summary
Enacted ostensibly to implement ICCPR obligations domestically in Sri Lanka. Section 3 creates a criminal offence of 'advocating national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.' Has been misused by Sri Lankan authorities to prosecute Tamil activists and journalists who criticise the government or commemorate war victims.
Relevance to the diaspora
Tamil diaspora members who publicly advocate for Tamil political rights or post content on social media that Sri Lanka deems 'incitement' risk prosecution under s.3 if they visit Sri Lanka; the section has been weaponised against war crimes documentation activities.
Key provisions
- s.3 — offence of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred constituting incitement (up to 10 years)
- s.4 — procedure for prosecution
Primary source
https://www.lawnet.gov.lk/international-covenant-on-civil-and-political-rights/Related entries
Citation-only entry. Not legal advice. For action in any jurisdiction, consult a regulated practitioner. Errors or omissions → contact us.