The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) recorded a total of 9,708 complaints in 2024, including over a thousand against State institutions for failure to act appropriately, HRCSL Chairman L.T.B. Dehideniya revealed.
Of these, 2,686 complaints were linked to violations of personal liberty. These included 1,225 allegations of arbitrary arrest and detention, 737 reports of cruel treatment, 487 cases of harassment, 96 instances of degrading treatment, and 62 threats.
The Commission also documented 32 complaints relating to prisoners’ rights, 23 on sexual harassment, 12 deaths in custody, 11 killings, and one enforced disappearance.
The Commission further received 6,959 complaints covering a broad range of human rights issues, including administrative grievances, inaction by government bodies, employment disputes, property rights violations, education, welfare rights, LGBTQI+ rights, and child rights, among others.
Dehideniya noted that 63 complaints were referred to other relevant institutions for appropriate action.
He emphasised that human rights are legally protected rights, not privileges, urging State officials to uphold them rigorously. “Awareness among the public about their rights leads to an increase in complaints, but greater awareness among officials can reduce violations,” he said.
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