|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 4 July 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Free legal aid for innocent victims by Shanika Sriyananda Over 125 complaints on human rights violations are reported annually to the 'human rights hotline' set up at the Centre for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR) of the Colombo University. Prof. Ravindra Fernando, CSHR Director, told the 'Sunday Observer' that these complaints were mainly on torture by police and school teachers, illegal detention by the police and human rights violations by state and private sector employers. " Everyday we receive a complaint on human rights violation and, complaints on fundamental rights violations, will be directed for legal aid before 30 days", he said. The hotline, which commenced in 1999, assists victims of human rights violations by providing access to legal advice and assistance free of charge." Our main objective is to help innocent people who are not aware of the institutions where they can seek free legal aid. Apart from this, experienced lawyers at the CSHR are also giving advice on what action that should be taken", Prof. Fernando said. Depending on the nature of the human rights violation, the CSHR lawyers refer the victim to a lawyer, a legal aid institute, human rights organisation or a counsellor for further expert advice and legal assistance. According to Prof. Fernando, victims of fundamental rights violations will be directed to Legal Aid Commission, Legal Aid Foundation, Lawyers for Human Rights, Institute of Human Rights and Home for Human Rights. "The victims whose monthly income is less than Rs. 5,000, will be given free legal aid while the workers of the government or public sector will have to pay only the photo copy charges of the relevant documents for these legal aid institutes", he added. According to Prof. Fernando, complaints on human rights violations directed to the CSHR after a period of one month will be referred for expert legal advice from the Human Rights Commission and, victims of criminal offences for legal aid, will be directed to the 'Victims of Crimes', an organisation which provides free legal aid especially for victims of criminal offenses. "The hotline, which is open only on weekdays, is popular among the public and although the need is there for a 24-hour service, but due to lack of staff and resources at the centre it is not possible yet", he said adding that most public and government sector officers sought assistance for job-related problems. "Legal advice for these complaints, which are mostly lodged over the phone, will be given by the legal officer in charge of the hotline immediately and further consultation by a letter", Prof. Fernando said. Those who want to seek free legal aid for human rights violation should contact 'human rights hotline' on 2500879. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
