UPR Sexual Rights Database

Following the change in government in January 2015, several action points including the following were identified and integrated into the current reform agenda: ... (g) Review and implement an anti- sexual harassment policy in government sector institutions. [Para 26]

Joint Submission 22 (JS22) noted that some Eelam Tamil women were being subjected to a wide range of sexual abuses as part of a systematic campaign of extermination against their nation by the Sri Lankan state. JS22 also noted that some Eelam Tamil women giving birth to their first or second child had been forced to accept permanent birth control operations. [Para 65]

The Government has taken steps to further empower the women of Sri Lanka through the implementation of policies, plans and programmes aimed at the advancement of the quality of life of women and increasing their participation in national decision making forums. Moreover, the Government has committed itself to promoting gender equality and gender justice. In 1993, we adopted the Women's Charter, although declaratory in nature, the document vests specific obligations on the State in terms of giving full effect to our international obligations under CEDAW. [Para 81]

Give special attention to the rights of women and further promote education and development and their representation in politics and public life.

... It was concerned that discrimination also persisted against girls ... [Para 18; CRC]

ECCHR noted that female ex-combatants had limited mobility and freedom, diminished status in villages, faced a higher risk of rape and violence, and almost no recourse to justice. They were not allowed to move outside of their district without permission. GTF noted that through its vast network of checkpoints, between and within villages and towns, the security services were able to restrict the movement of residents and monitor their activities, as also noted by PEARL. [Para 48]

Enhance efforts by law enforcement authorities to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation.

Ratify swiftly the Optional Protocols to (…) the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OP-CRPD).

Guarantee equality between men and women through an exhaustive review of national legislation.

Equip all police stations with a women’s desk, private rooms, and sufficient number of female police officers with the view of better ensuring women and girls’ access to justice.

Decriminalise same-sex consensual relationships and to adopt all necessary measures to combat discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and to guarantee access of the LGBTI people to health services.

[The Special Rapporteur on torture] noted that torture and ill-treatment, including of a sexual nature, still occurred, in particular in the early stages of arrest and interrogation, often for the purpose of eliciting confessions, and that the gravity of the mistreatment inflicted increased for those who were perceived to be involved in terrorism or offences against national security. ... [Para 17]