International Migrants Day observed at HRCSL
International Migrants Day was observed yesterday, June 20, at the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in Colombo. At the event, an 11-page report prepared by the Human Rights Commission, titled “Report on the Status of Rohingya Refugees Detained in Mullaithivu and Related Issues,” was also presented.
The report states that 116 adult Rohingya refugees, including children aged 3 months to 18 years, are living in the Mullaithivu Air Force Base. After investigating their food, health, right to peaceful assembly, and detention facilities, the report also makes 06 recommendations that should be implemented in this regard.The program, which was held at the Human Rights Commission office, was organized under the theme of “Dialogue with Civil Society Organizations Working with Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Returnees, and Stateless Persons in Sri Lanka”.
The Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Justice L. T. B. Dehideniya, along with the Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission, Professor Farshana Hanifa, Professor Thaiyamuthu Thanarajah, Dr. Gihan Gunathilaka, and Nimal Punchihewa, also expressed their views.
“Currently, with Sri Lanka enjoying greater stability, it has become a destination for individuals fleeing civil unrest or conflict in other parts of the world. As a result, 394 refugees/asylum seekers and 118 stateless persons have arrived in Sri Lanka, expressing concerns about their safety in their countries of origin, some of whom are living with local communities while others are being held in three designated detention centres,” the Human Rights Commission said in the message on International Migrants Day.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, through its National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), is committed to safeguarding the rights of all persons, regardless of their nationality or legal status.
As part of its mandate, the Commission conducts regular visits to these locations and facilitates dialogue to ensure the protection and dignity of all individuals.
