This project supports AHRC in consolidating the local network of organisations working against torture. The project continues the work started by AHRC and RCT in 2004.

Region: South Asia
Country: Sri Lanka

Project grant: DKK 1,38 million
Project period: 2006-2008

Overall aim:

The project contributes to the improvement of the institutional framework for eliminating torture and to strengthening the rights of all people, especially the poor, by preventing the physical and mental abuse that is routinely undertaken by police and armed forces in Sri Lanka.

Specific objectives:

• Strengthening the network of local organisations against torture.
• Lobbying for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to UN’s Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).
• Campaigning publicly in order to influence public opinion regarding torture.
• Reinforcing international advocacy against torture in Sri Lanka.
• Gathering and publishing lessons learned and new knowledge on preventing torture.
• Providing support to principal criminal torture cases, including legal help to torture victims and providing help to rehabilitating victims of police torture.

Target groups:

The project is first and foremost aimed at victims of police torture in Sri Lanka. Other beneficiaries will be the local network of organisations and the broader public in Sri Lanka.

Strategy:

The project seeks to put massive pressure on the responsible political leaders and governmental institutions in Sri Lanka by innovative lobbystrategies.

The project draws up analyses and recommendations to secure the changes necessary to stop torture; including criticism of the legal system, training of health personnel, and lobbyism for the establishment of a witness protection programme.

At the same time, the media are used to create a wider debate on police torture and to ensure public support against torture and organised violence.

AHRC and RCT each activate their networks to create international attention to the problem – in the UN, the Asian and European regions and nationally, e.g. in Denmark. International attention is crucial to put additional pressure on the Sri Lankan government.

The project supports torture survivors through the activities of the AHRC network, including legal, psychological and health related interventions.