The HRCSL writes to the President regarding the detention conditions and well-being of asylum seekers from Myanmar
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) was informed of the recent arrival of a group of 115 asylum seekers from Myanmar via sea near the Mullaitivu coast. Among them, over forty individuals are children, and many are reported to be infants. On 26 December 2024, a team of officials from the HRCSL, including a director, attempted to monitor the detention conditions of these asylum seekers at the Sri Lanka Air Force Camp in Mullaitivu in the Northern Province. However, they were refused access to the asylum seekers.
In response, on 27 December 2024, the HRCSL wrote to H.E. the President about the incident on 26 December. The letter emphasised that, according to section 11(d) of the HRCSL Act, No. 21 of 1996, the powers and functions of the Commission extend not only to Sri Lankan citizens but to “any person” detained within Sri Lanka. Therefore, the Commission has the statutory authority to access the said Air Force Camp and monitor the detention conditions of all asylum seekers, including the children present.
The HRCSL requested H.E. the President to issue appropriate directives to relevant institutions to facilitate access to the asylum seekers. Additionally, it reaffirmed its statutory obligations to examine the conditions under which these asylum seekers are being held.
Furthermore, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration and other responsible officials who obstructed the HRCSL’s attempts to monitor the detention conditions of the said asylum seekers have been summoned to appear before the Commission on 31 December 2024 at 10:30 a.m., to provide an explanation regarding their actions.