E/C.12/LKA/CO/5

Sri Lanka (CESCR 04-08-2017)

The Committee considered the fifth periodic report of Sri Lanka (E/C.12/LKA/5) at its 25th and 26th meetings (see E/C.12/2017/SR.25 and 26), held on 8 and 9 June 2017 and adopted the present concluding observations at its 47th meeting, held on 23 June 2017.

Concluding observations

C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations

Non-discrimination

17. The Committee is concerned that consensual same-sex sexual conduct continues to be criminalized. It is concerned that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons is widespread, including in law enforcement, employment, health care, housing and education, and that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons have been subjected to threats and attacks on social media on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity (art. 2).
18. The Committee urges the State party to amend the Penal Code with a view to decriminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct. It recommends that the State party take urgent steps to combat and prevent violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and to ensure their equal enjoyment of all human rights, in particular their right to health, education, work and housing. It also recommends that the State party develop and implement training programmes to educate and sensitize law enforcement officers, teachers, health-care workers and public employees on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.