Category: Statements

The recommendations submitted by the MPs take astoundingly regressive positions on reforms to the MMDA. Some of the most egregious recommendations include:1. The bride’s signature on the marriage register to have no value without a male guardian signing, denying women their autonomy.2. Muslim women continue to be excluded from holding public office under the MMDA, which will have only male registrars. Inclusion of women Quazis (judges) has not been specified.3. Maintain the Quazi system without any changes, including criteria and process for appointing Quazis.4. Exceptions to minimum age of marriage…

“The victim community has no confidence in any local commission or tribunal created by the Sri Lankan Government state. These commissions have in fact revealed the intentions of successive governments to scuttle truth-seeking and the victims’ quest for accountability. Leading functionaries and politicians have time and again declared publicly that the government will not betray the war heroes and patriotic forces.” 

March 20, 2023 A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission SRI LANKA: The criteria for the selection of the new Inspector General of Police The debate on who should be the next Inspector General of Police (IGP) is part of the public debate these days. The focus of this debate is more on who should be the ‘person’ rather than what is the expectation from the new IGP in terms of the challenges faced on the one hand concerning the rule of law system in Sri Lanka, and on…