Threats against RCTs partner organization in Sri Lanka, widespread torture and the collapse of rule of law have posed great challenges for RCTs and other international actors’ possibilities to operate in Sri Lanka during 2009. We hope that the Presidential elections might open up venues for discussion of these issues.
Developments after the war ended May 19, 2009
Realization of Sri Lankan election manifestos could influence RCTs work
The political rhetoric in the campaign for presidential elections coming on January 26th holds promises for changes.
January 2010
Looking foreward to Sri Lankan elections at Human Rights Day
News reports from Sri Lanka up to the coming elections on January 26.
December 2009
No War Zone of December 16, 2009
A video by Young Asia Television.
Comprehensive documentation of widespread torture and the decline of rule of law in Sri Lanka
At a special side event at the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday 29 September the RCT and the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) presented thorough and groundbreaking documentation of the decline of rule of law and the prevalence and causes of torture in Sri Lanka.
October 2009
RCT documents wide-spread torture in Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva
On Tuesday 29 September RCT launches a groundbreaking and alarming report on the prevalence and causes of torture in Sri Lanka. The launch takes place at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva where the situation in the Asian country is on the agenda.
September 2009
Developments before the war ended May 19, 2009
Appeal Letter
RCT and 129 other non-governmental organizations across the globe call upon the UN Human Rights Council to hold a Special Session on the current human rights catastrophe in Sri Lanka, as a matter of urgent concern.
May 2009
Alarming new study on torture in Sri Lanka
A new RCT study reveals a number of worrying findings all pointing towards a society still more pervaded by impunity.
March 2009
UN’s Human Rights Committee engages in torture- and homicide case from Sri Lanka
RCT supports petition to UN’s Human Rights Committee of protection to the widow and children of the deceased Sugath Nishanta Fernando from crisis-struck Sri Lanka.
February 2009
Arson attack on lawyer from RCT’s partner organisation in Sri Lanka
Attacks on lawyers have become a frequent feature on Sri Lanka. Mr. Amitha Ariyaratne, Attorney-at-Law, was threatened three times with death on 27, January 2009 at the Negombo Police Station by police officers. Recently he has been subjected to an arson attack.
Images and background story
Sri Lanka faces massive human rights violations
The 25 year long conflict between Sri Lankan government forces and The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) is in a decisive phase following the government forces offensive on the Jaffna peninsula.
January 2009
A senior editor assassinated and the killing of many others is feared
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission, January 8th 2009.
The letter by six former Ambassadors to the President of Sri Lanka
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission, January 23rd 2009.
Global Media Rights Groups Condemn "Culture of Impunity and Indifference" in Sri Lanka
A Press Release from the International Press Freedom Mission forwarded by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), January 21st 2009.
Genocide red alert and persecutions in Sri Lanka
The Genocide Prevention Project in New York on December 9 included Sri Lanka as one of the eight “red alert” countries where genocide risk breaking out. Early indicators of mass atrocity crimes have been identified. RCTs partners in the area are also deeply affected by the increased atmosphere of fear, which complicates their work.
December 2008
Reports, documentation etc
Justice in retreat
A report on the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Sri Lanka. Many of the problems identified in the previous 2001 IBAHRI Report continue to affect the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Sri Lanka and in some respects the situation has deteriorated significantly. Author: IBAHRI, May 2009.
The Rule of Law in Decline
Study on Prevalence, Determinants and Causes of Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Sri Lanka.
Author: Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena, May 2009.
The Phantom Limb: Failing judicial systems, torture and human rights work in Sri Lanka
A Study of Police Torture in Sri Lanka by Morten Koch Andersen and Basil Fernando
December 2009
Appeal Letter
A joint appeal letter by 130 international NGOs to the members of the UN Human Rights Council, May 2009.
SRI LANKA: UN Experts deeply concerned at suppression of criticism and unabated impunity
A Statement from ten independent UN Experts, February 2009.
SRI LANKA: The letter by six former Ambassadors to the President of Sri Lanka
A statement by the Asian Human Right Commission, January 2009.
Attack on lawyers in Sri Lanka
A YouTube video by the Asian Human Rights Commission.