The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) says it will launch three ‘very important’ guidelines and recommendations to the State and relevant authorities tomorrow (Dec.11), in commemoration of International Human Rights Day.This year’s International Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10 (Sunday), is celebrated under the theme ‘Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All’.Accordingly, the HRCSL is slated to launch the following guidelines and recommendations, in the presence of representatives from the State, law enforcement authorities, governmental and non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations: • General Guidelines and Recommendations to the Sri Lanka Police on Prevention of Custodial and Encounter Deaths • General Guidelines and Recommendations on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders • Interim Report of the Fact-Finding Mission on Right to Health and Liberty of the Patients at the National Institute of Mental HealthIn his message for International Human Rights Day, the HRCSL chairman Justice L.T.B.

Dehideniya called upon the State and all relevant authorities to uphold the fundamental and international human rights obligations of the State.Further, he called upon all individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to educate and enhance their knowledge of the rights that have been guaranteed to every person by the Constitution and other legislations of Sri Lanka.Coinciding with International Human Rights Day, Sri Lanka celebrates the 75th anniversary of the milestone achievement of adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).“It calls for a moment of reflection, to acknowledge and honour the significant developments the declaration has paved the way for, to protect and promote the universal rights of all persons,” the HRCSL chairman said further in its statement.He said attention is also drawn towards the many challenges that hinder the full realization of the rights and values enshrined in the declaration.Among the many challenges, the HRCSL chairman said special attention is drawn to the global pandemic and the political and economic instability that unfolded in the country, which has left behind long-term and ongoing repercussions.According to him, these challenges brought to the surface the ‘systemic inequalities’ that were prevalent over the years and also ‘exacerbated injustices’ faced by many, in particular persons belonging to vulnerable communities.The HRCSL, building on the work that has been done over the years, places extra emphasis on addressing such systemic inequalities and creating an equitable environment, where all persons can fully realize the rights and values envisioned in the UDHR, Justice Dehideniya reiterated in his statement.