Follow up to the recommendations made by the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, following its visit to Sri Lanka in November 2015 (A/HRC/33/51/Add.2, paragraphs 77 - 84) Recommendations A/HRC/33/51/Add.2 Situation during the visit A/HRC/33/51/Ad d.2 Measures taken/current situation Level of implementation and observations (to be completed by the WGEID) Paragraph 18-19 and 48 Government – June/July 2019 Making specific reference to the recommendations of the WGEID, the Acting Inspector General of Police has issued directives to all senior police officers and officers in charge of police stations to strictly adhere to the following in respect of relatives of missing persons: - Ensure non-discrimination for relatives of missing persons during law enforcement - Safeguard their freedom against any form of harassment - Follow the same formalities as those followed for the general public - Act in terms of the general law with regard to any offences or crimes - Ensure their right to live freely and peacefully without any threats, intimidation or sexual harassment - Investigate without delay into complaints of any acts that threaten their safety and security The relevant circular also states that disciplinary action and criminal action (in the event of acts of a criminal nature) will be taken against all police officers who are found to be in violation of the above directives. A copy of the circular is at Annex ‘A’2 The Working Group welcomes information according to which a circular was issued by the Acting Inspector General of the Police to all senior police officers regarding threats, intimidation and harassment, with specific reference to the WGEID recommendation after the country visit. It also welcomes information that a media statement was issued in 2018 providing information on complaints mechanisms. The Group also notes that the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police have reiterated their commitment to preventing any form of threats, harassment and intimidation. The experts observe however that civil society organisations do not appear to be aware of such commitments. The Working Group also remains extremely concerned by ongoing examples of such behaviour. It calls on the General 77. The Working Group recommends that the Government of Sri Lanka: (a) Take decisive actions and give clear orders at the highest level to stop surveillance, threats, intimidation, harassment — including sexual harassment — and abuses against relatives of disappeared persons and those acting on their behalf; 7 2 On file with the Working Group A/HRC/42/40/Add.1 The Commanders of the Tri-Forces (Sri Lanka Army – 30 March 2016, Sri Lanka Air Force – 31 March 2016 and Sri Lanka Navy – 16 April 2016) issued clear, public and unequivocal directions to all branches of security forces prohibiting torture, rape and other human rights violations and informing that those responsible will be investigated and punished. On 17th June 2016, President Maithripala Sirisena, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Security Forces and the Minister of Defence, issued directions requiring the Security Forces and the Police (i) to ensure that fundamental rights of persons arrested or detained are respected, and that such persons are treated humanely; and (ii) to assist and facilitate the HRCSL to exercise and perform its powers, functions and duties. The GOSL has taken measures to prevent practices involving surveillance and intimidation of