THe ALHR has attacked the  new prime minister, Tony Abbott, for downplaying human rights violations in the country. John Southalan, president of the organisation, said: 'To ensure the success of domestic refugee policy it seems the Prime Minister is willing to brush aside credible allegations of war crimes against the Sri Lankan government. Mr Abbott’s suggestion that Sri Lankans are now living in a society of greater freedom and security does not accord with the ongoing reports of disappearances, harassment and intimidation from security forces, forced eviction and torture.' Source: Lawyers Weekly