Download the full report - Human Rights Watch
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V. Recommendations<br />
To <strong>the</strong> Government of Sri Lanka<br />
• Investigate all allegations of rape and o<strong>the</strong>r sexual violence by Sri Lankan security<br />
forces, including from <strong>the</strong> armed conflict period as well as <strong>the</strong> years since.<br />
Prosecute those responsible for <strong>the</strong>se crimes, including persons with command or<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r superior responsibility, in proceedings that meet international fair trial<br />
standards. Publicize <strong>the</strong> outcome of such prosecutions, including by providing<br />
information on <strong>the</strong> punishments meted out and <strong>the</strong> redress and compensation<br />
provided to victims;<br />
• Repeal <strong>the</strong> Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and abolish <strong>the</strong> system of detention<br />
without charge or trial;<br />
• Immediately lift access restrictions imposed by <strong>the</strong> Presidential Task Force on<br />
Resettlement, Reconstruction and Security in <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Province (PTF) so that<br />
medical personnel, counselors, and NGOs providing psycho-social support and<br />
independent medical examination and treatment can reach victims of human<br />
rights violations;<br />
• Release all individuals who have been arrested under emergency or anti-terrorism<br />
laws, unless <strong>the</strong>y are charged with recognized criminal offenses. Conduct prompt<br />
trials that meet international due process standards;<br />
• Make available to family members <strong>the</strong> names and locations of all individuals<br />
detained for suspected involvement in <strong>the</strong> LTTE, including those in rehabilitation<br />
centers and undisclosed detention sites, and facilitate family visits;<br />
• Ensure detainees’ right to legal representation and access to a lawyer of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
choosing upon being taken into custody and <strong>the</strong>reafter. Amend current regulations<br />
to ensure that all detainees may have legal counsel present during interrogations if<br />
<strong>the</strong>y so choose,<br />
• Permit all detainees to be examined by an independent medical practitioner<br />
immediately after <strong>the</strong>y are detained and following each period of questioning, if<br />
<strong>the</strong>y request such examinations;<br />
47 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | FEBRUARY 2013