Peasant group calls for an immediate action to ensure the protection of Mr. Herman Kumara, a human rights defender in Sri Lanka

Written by Administrator Tuesday, 20 March 2012 11:12

PRESS RELEASE
March 17, 2012

The Asian Peasant Coalition (APC) denounces the harassment of the Sri Lanka police against Mr. Herman Kumara, a human rights defender,in Sri Lanka.

“ Mr. Kumara is a respected person known in Sri Lanka and globally. We believe that the threats he experience is attributed to his work as a human rights defender and his campaign for the fisherfolks rights and the rights of internal refugees in Sri Lanka due to war and the so-called government’s ‘development’ project in Sri Lanka ,” remarked Danilo Ramos, APC secretary general .

“The harassment increased after a fisherfolk protests against recent fuel price hikes in Sri Lanka. Mr. Kumara states that these actions were organized by the fisherfolk themselves and that while he has campaigned for fisherfolks rights, he and his organization were not involved in organizing these protests. However, Mr. Kumara and the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NFSM), did express their support for and solidarity with the protesting fisherfolks,” Ramos stated.

“We condemn the violence against the fisherfolks perpetuated by the Sri Lankan police and we call for a peaceful dialogue towards settlement of the problem. We call on the Sri Lankan government to assure the safety of Mr. Kumara and his family and that the human rights of the fishing communities are guaranteed. We call for an urgent investigation on the threats and surveillance against Mr. Kumara. We call for immediate steps to ensure the protection of Mr. Kumara.,” ended Ramos. #