Human rights of detained persons to be ensured

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

COLOMBO: The inter-ministerial committee will extend their fullest support to the Security Forces and the Police in protecting the human rights of persons arrested or detained.

"President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken a timely decision by issuing instructions to Security Forces and Police which were not implemented properly since 1997," said Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe addressing a media gathering yesterday.

DIG N K Illangakoon said that posters will be exhibited at every police station on the human rights of an arrested person.

"Some of the arrested persons have no way of communication as there are no officers to translate. We have introduced a form to be filled to overcome this issue," he said.

"The Inter-ministerial committee has done an immense service and are progressing with the human rights violations. We are trying to create a new culture," said Suhada Gamlath, secretary of the inter-ministerial committee.

The Inter-ministerial Committee will also immediately implement laws to protect the human rights of victims and compensation will be given by the Government.