The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Mónica Pinto, and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Juan E. Méndez, will undertake a joint visit to Sri Lanka from 29 April to 7 May 2016, at the invitation of the Government.
While the previous UN Special Rapporteur on torture visited Sri Lanka in 2010, this will be the first visit to Sri Lanka by a Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.
During their visit, the two Special Rapporteurs will meet with relevant ministers, government officials, members of the judiciary, the Attorney-General, lawyers, civil society members, the National Human Rights Commission, and victims and their families. In addition to visiting Colombo, they will visit the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Central and Southern Provinces and also places of detention.
At the conclusion of their visit, the two Special Rapporteurs will share their preliminary observations and recommendations at a press conference to be held on Saturday 7 May 2016, at 3pm, at the UN Conference Room, United Nations Compound, 202-204, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. Access to the press conference will be limited to journalists.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
26 April 2016
