Zero-Tolerance policy on torture - Human Rights Minister

Rasika Somarathna

Reiterating the Government's commitment to safeguarding the Human Rights of all people, Human Rights and Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the Government had a Zero-Tolerance policy on torture, degrading treatment or punishment in the case of detained or arrested people.

The Minister while opened a 24 hour help desk at the BMICH yesterday, to provide information to the public about persons arrested or detained has assured that all detainees would be treated humanely and with respect to their dignity.

The Minister while emphasising the need to strengthen and support the Police and Armed Forces in the present security environment to prevent acts of terrorism and loss of life, however, pointed out that the investigations should be carried out under permissible limits according to the law.

Measures will be taken to protect the rights of individuals detained under all circumstances according to the Presidential directive on arrests and detentions.

The Minister had also taken measures to personally inspect some of the detention canters while giving an assurance to the detainees that they would be treated humanely and with respect.

He has directed the police to share the list of names of persons detained with the relevant authorities including the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to ensure transparency.

Thus, taking the Government's measures to ensure that all arrests made comply with the guidelines issued by President Rajapaksa for safeguarding the human rights of persons arrested or detained.

The public could access the help desk on the following numbers seven days of the week. 011-2670002(voice) 011-2779979(fax)