State Violence in Sri Lanka - World Organisation Against Torture

5
State Violence in SRI LANKA
Foreword
Writing alternative reports is one of the main activities of the OMCT and a
vital source of information for the members of the Human Rights
Committee. With these reports, it is possible to see the situation as objectively
as possible and take a critical look at government action to eradicate torture.
Under the aegis of the European Union and the Swiss Confederation, the
“Special Procedures” program presented this report on state violence and torture
in Sri Lanka at the 79th session of the Human Rights Committee, which
took place in Geneva from 20th October to 7th November 2003 and during
which the Sri Lankan Government’s report was examined.
This report was jointly prepared by the following NGOs working on the
human rights situation in Sri Lanka:
• Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC)
• Centre for Rule of Law
• Families of the Disappeared (Kalape Api)
• Human Rights and Development Centre (SETIK)
• Janasansadaya (People’s Forum)
• People against Torture (PAT)
Three delegates representing the coalition presented the report during the
information session and shared their observations and concerns with the
members of the Human Rights Committee.
This study is divided into three parts. Part I provides a general overview of torture
and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (in prisons in particular)
committed by state officials. Parts II and III deal with torture and cruel, inhuman
or degrading treatment of women and children respectively. This rather
novel approach sheds light on the situation of particularly vulnerable groups
of people. The Human Rights Committee Concluding Observations and
Recommendations adopted following examination of the Sri Lankan
Government’s Report are included in the Appendices.