The Right to Life Human Rights Centre recently organized a two-day workshop called “Bolstering Advocacy Capacities of Human Rights Defenders.” The workshop aimed to strengthen the skills of individuals who work to protect human rights in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Philip Dissanayake, the Executive Director of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, spoke about the importance of advocacy in defending human rights. He explained that human rights are closely linked to democracy, stating, “Without human rights, there is no democracy.” He emphasized that protecting human rights is essential for a strong and healthy democracy.
Challenges in Human Rights
Mr. Dissanayake highlighted several challenges faced by human rights defenders in Sri Lanka. He noted that although there are many international treaties to protect human rights, they are not effectively implemented. Only a small number of people actively fight for their rights, which shows the need for more advocacy.
He also pointed out that many people hesitate to report human rights violations due to fear, shyness, or political reasons. This reluctance makes it harder to address and prevent such violations.
The Need for Legal Changes
To encourage more people to stand up for their rights, Mr. Dissanayake stressed the importance of improving the legal system. He believes that a better legal framework will help build trust and make people feel safer when reporting violations.
The workshop aimed to inspire and equip participants with the tools they need to advocate for human rights, fostering a stronger and more just society in Sri Lanka.
