Recommendations A/HRC/33/51/Add.2 Measures taken/current situation Situation during the visit A/HRC/33/51/Ad d.2 Level of implementation and observations (to be completed by the WGEID) a legal representative and or family members and excluding the possibility of secret detention are vital to ensuring the safety and security of detainees. ITJP Not done. See this we prepared from 2017 though there are now new drafts: https://www.fhr.org.za/files/6214/9254/5277/SRI_LANKAS_DRAFT_COUNTER_TERRO RISM_ACT_-_PUBLICATION_DRAFT_-_18_APRIL_2017.pdf Paragraph 18 Government In addition to the provisions of the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, there are specific provisions with regard to victim and Witness Protection in the Office of Missing Persons Act (OMP). It can be further emphasized that new provisions have been included based on the recent review to secure the independence of the police division of the Victims and Witness Protection Authority and further strengthening the members of the Board by suggesting inclusion of a member representing civil society. The new draft bill has been designed to include provisions for victims and witnesses to be protected in accordance with international standards. OMP The OMP recognises the need to adopt measures to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the institutions charged with administering the Victim and Witness Protection Act. The OMP has the authority to establish its own victim and witness protection unit; however, envisages cooperation with a strengthened National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crimes and Witnesses to ensure coordination of protection activities. The Working Group regrets that the amendments to the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act in 2017 were limited in scope and did not incorporate better safeguards in line with international standards. It calls for the Act to be further amended to address these shortcomings. The OMP is empowered to establish its own victim and protection unit, and the Working Group hopes that it will be wellresourced, effective and independent. Amnesty There was an amendment to the Act passed in 2017 to enable victims or witnesses to be able to be able to provide testimony remotely, from a “Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the country from where such victim of crime or witness seeks to testify or make.” Amnesty International is aware of a case where at least one witness has not provided evidence in a case, considering this safeguard insufficient to guarantee their safety. 35 A/HRC/42/40/Add.1 (f) Review the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act of 2015 in order to incorporate better safeguards for the independence and effectiveness of the victim and witness protection programme in line with international standards. Revisions must include the establishment of a wellresourced and effective victim and witness protection programme outside the control and purview of the regular law enforcement apparatus. In addition, the Government should ensure the independence and integrity of those appointed to the Witness Protection Authority and that the police and all other