Key Programmes
From Mahinda Chinthana
Committees

Committees

Human Rights Unit

Several new programs have been launched by the Human Rights unit of the Ministry. Much more concerns have been made to improve the human rights situation within the country and to build the image of Sri Lanka among the international community.
The Ministry plays the facilitation role for the institutes which protect and promote human rights of Sri Lankans. Even though the Ministry has no implementation arm to launch its own programmes, with the assistance of the UNDP, Colombo office a unit has been established under the Ministry with personnel of different capacities namely Consultant, volunteers, International volunteers etc.

There is a team with experience in human rights and activities in humanitarian. Six permanent Ministry officials are assisting this team in the following activities.

Permanent Standing Committee on Human Rights

Hon. Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs co-chair this committee. Important national level policy related matters are discussed at this forum. The decisions of this committee are implemented through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights.

Advisory Body to the Minister of Human Rights

An Advisory Body has been established to advice the Minister on prevention, mitigation and taking immediate action in respect of violations, or alleged violations of human rights. The Advisory Body will also be used to verify the authenticity of reports on violations, imminent violations or alleged violations of human rights so that appropriate and adequate response can be facilitated by the Ministry in consultation and coordination with relevant line Ministries and agencies, the security forces, Attorney General’s Department, Provincial and local authorities, civil society organizations etc. This body consists of twelve (12) civil society members and it meets every 3-4 weeks to review human rights situation in the country. Eight (8) meetings have been held up to now.

Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights

This Committee functions as the implementing arm of the Permanent Standing Committee on Human Rights. The Chairman of this Committee is Hon. Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights. Eight (08) Committee meetings were held with the participation of the key officials of armed forces, Police Department and Defence Ministry, and major stakeholders in human rights activities. The collaborative decision making has been adopted to find strategies to improve and protect the human rights while reviewing the country situation at each meeting. Some of the important matters discussed at this forum are as follows:

• Direct relevant law enforcement authorities to investigate into alleged violations of human rights and call for reports on such investigations
• Implementation of Official Language policy
• Implementation of educational and awareness programs on human rights
• Measures to strengthen Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission as an independent body
• Co-ordination of complaints made to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights violations
• Coordination of technical support to, the Steering Committee on drafting a new Bill of Human Rights for the Constitution
• Coordination of technical support to the Working Group on Special Rapporteur’s report on Religion
• Coordination of technical support to the Working Group on Special Rapporteur’s report on Extra-Judicial Killings
• Technical support to the Working Group on Treaty Body Recommendations (Coordinated by the Hon. Attorney General’s Department)
• Implementation of Presidential directives on Arrest or Detention
• Providing necessary assistance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hon. Attorney General’s Department for the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry consisting of eight (8) members appointed by HE the President.
• Assisting in appointing an International Independent Group of Eminent Person to observe the activities of the above Independent Commission of Inquiry.
• Technical support to draft legislation on victims of human rights violations and witness protection
• Preparation of Sri Lankan Delegation participating at the UN Human Rights Council Meetings

Information dissemination

Necessary action is being taken to establish a Ministry Web Site to provide correct and updated information on matters of interest to the Public. This web site will be used to compile information pertaining to disasters and human rights activities and issue early   warnings for the public to minimize the damages. Financial assistance from Royal Netherlands Government is expected for this purpose.

International Human Rights Day

The following activities are included in the commemoration event of International Human Rights Day falling on 10th December 2006.

• Exhibition
• Street Drama in Districts
• Art competition among school children
• Photo exhibition
• Showing Documentary Films
• Organizing Help Desks

Ensuring Identity of Estate Workers

A pilot program is being developed with the District Secretary, Galle to assist Estate workers to expedite issue of basic legal documents such as Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate etc.

Coordination of relief services providing for Internal Displaced People

With the escalation of violence in some parts of the Island especially since June 2006, the numbers of Internal Displaced People (IDPs) have increased rapidly. In view of providing relief services for these IDPs in a more efficient and a collaborative manner, HE the President has entrusted this Ministry to Coordinate these activities. The IDP Coordination meetings are held under the chairmanship of the Hon Minister once in three weeks with the participation of key officials of the International Non-Government Organizations, Local Non-Government Organizations such as ICRC, UNHCR etc, public Institutions involved in providing and distributing humanitarian assistance and the respective District Secretaries / Government Agents where IDPs live. The operational level implementation problems are discussed with all the stakeholders and decisions taken accordingly. Some of the important areas which were discussed and decisions taken are as follows:         

• Transportation of food items to North by sea and land
• A mechanism has been formulated to overcome the problems faced by INGO / NGOs  who  are  providing relief services to the North and East areas.
• Coordination with INGOs / NGOs for providing, basic requirements of IDP camps, especially to ensure better hygienic and health conditions
• With the leadership of District Secretaries and assistance of the Area Commanders a mechanism has been established to solve the problems faced in providing humanitarian assistance
• Arranging transport for stranded civilians in Jaffna and Vavuniya
• A comprehensive media campaign for building confidence and stabilization of people who are living in conflict prone areas and also to avoid backlashes among different ethnic groups.
• About 250 public complaints were received and follow-up action are being taken.
• Districts level 'Help - Desk' is being established to protect human rights of people who are affected by Tsunami devastation.
• Rs. 15 Million has been provided by UNHCR to this Ministry for the coordination of activities of IDPs