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A trained investigative team at work

HRC to carry out surprise checks

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has assigned a special, trained team of investigative officers to pay 'surprise visits' to all state institutions to check on human rights violations.

The surprise visits that are to commence with effect from January 1, is aimed at bringing all perpetrators to book, according to top HRC officials.

The investigative officers are expected to submit reports of their findings to the HRC after which proper action would be taken against offenders. The reports would also be handed over to the government subsequently, HRC officials said. The action of the HRC is a sequel to a spate of complaints made to the commission by the public.

HRC Chairperson, Dr.Radhika Coomaraswamy told The Sunday Leader  that the HRC is now prepared to handle the increasing number of human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

"The committee on torture has made negative comments on Sri Lanka and has stated that it should be looked into with serious concern," stated Dr. Coomaraswamy.

She also said that when an incident of torture is reported, the human rights investigators have to investigate the incident within 24 hours and the OIC of the local police station to be  contacted within that period.

She also said the OIC of the police station will be held responsible if any such incidents are reported in the future. "We are also going to put up posters in police stations against violence," she said.

 Secretary, HRC, Hema Siriwardena said that the IGP has been informed about the plan and even though Sri Lanka has carried out human rights education programmes in police stations, nothing has been achieved so far.

"We would like to carry out a procedure where investigative officers can be sent to police stations at any time. This way the police will be aware and torture can be prevented. But this cannot be carried out right now due to the lack of resources such as vehicles and personnel," said Siriwardena.

He further stated that women who are victims of torture can now lodge complaints at police stations and if  necessary action is not taken, human rights personnel have been instructed to call the police and question their failure to take action.

"The HRC initiated a torture prevention project by conducting a public hearing in Matara, and by doing this we were able to identify the areas of priority and we are working very hard on this. We are also planning to conduct a fresh short-term project and the papers have already been signed," stated Siriwardena.

"In 2004, HRC needs about Rs.183 million to carry out an action plan to prevent torture but the government has undertaken to pay only Rs. 37 to 40 million , which is inadequate," Siriwardena added.

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