UNHR Chief says 20A may negatively impact on independence of institutions

Sri Lanka, Sept. 14 -- Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the proposed 20th amendment to the Constitution may negatively impact on the independence of key institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission.

In her global human rights update to the 45th session of the Human Rights Council on Monday, Ms. Bachelet said she was troubled that the new Government of Sri Lanka is swiftly reneging on its commitments to the Human Rights Council since it withdrew its support for resolution 30/1.

Among other developments, she said the proposed 20th amendment to the Constitution may negatively impact on the independence of key institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission.

Ms. Bachelet sai...