News
Nothing arbitrary in our streamlining process: HRC Chairperson
The Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Dr Deepika Udagama has drawn attention to the news item titled “HR watchdog redirects heavy volume of gripes”, published in the Sundav Times of Januarv. 5.
The Chairperson said:
The Commission’s decision to streamline acceptance of complaints stems from its observation that a large proportion of complaints received, directly come within the mandate of other redress mechanisms such as the Ombudsman’s Office, National Police Commission and the Public Service Commission. Such complaints are referred to the appropriate mechanism.
The Commission has to remain within its mandate conferred by the parent statute. The decision to streamline procedures is not to arbitrarily cut down the number of complaints received as the news item suggests.
It is incorrect to say that the Commission has rejected cases of custodial violations in the streamlining process. Our Commission has consistently given priority to custodial violations and has set up a separate unit to expedite inquiring into such complaints.
We recognize the serious impact custodial violations have on the rights of people.
The news item erroneously points out that the Commission has set up a focal point system throughout its regional offices and that “cases are discussed arbitrarily and settled with the respondents”.
The correct position is that the Commission has in consultation with the relevant Government Ministries and Departments caused the appointment of focal points in those institutions. The objective of establishing such focal points is to expedite the resolution of complaints against administrative action, through effective liaising with respondent institutions. Where mediation efforts fail, the Commission will subject such complaints to the inquiry process as required by our parent statue. There is nothing ‘arbitrary’ about the process.