Director,
International Affairs Division,
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka,
No.14,
A. De Mel Mawatha,
Colombo 04,
Sri Lanka.
Email: dir.internationalrelations.hrcsl@gmail.com
This division’s primary responsibility is to oversee and cultivate relationships with intergovernmental organisations, international organisations, and governments to promote and protect human rights on a global scale. The division assists the Commission in regional and international cooperation, engaging in diplomatic initiatives, participating in global fora and conferences, collaborating with international organisations, and advocating for compliance with the principles of international human rights legislation.
The operations of this division align with the following sections of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996:
- 10(c) to advise and assist the government in formulating legislation and administrative directives and procedures, in furtherance of, the promotion and protection of fundamental rights;
- 10(d) to make recommendations to the Government regarding measures which should be taken to ensure that national laws and administrative practices are in accordance with international human rights norms and standards;
- 10(e) to make recommendations to the Government on the need to subscribe or accede to treaties and other international instruments in the field of human rights.
Functions
- Providing guidance to the government in formulating legislation, administrative directives, or procedural protocols in accordance with the standards of international human rights law (IHRL)
- Advising the government to ensure that national laws and administrative practices align with IHRL standards
- Providing recommendations to the government regarding the ratification of or accession to human rights treaties and instruments.
- Promoting awareness about UN mechanisms within government institutions and civil society
- Preparing and submitting reports to regional and international organisations and processes, such as the Universal Periodic Review, treaty bodies, and any other relevant entities
- Cooperating with UN special procedures, UN agencies, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) the Asia Pacific Forum, as well as other NHRIs, international non-governmental organisations, and human rights mechanisms
- Cooperating with diplomatic missions and donor agencies and providing support for project proposals