Human Rights First Aid Centres (HRFACs)
Empowering local communities to protect, defend, and advocate for human rights.
Introduction
Human Rights First Aid Centers (HRFACs) represent collaborative efforts by human rights defenders in local regions to swiftly address community human rights issues, provide defense, and encourage residents to assert and safeguard their rights. These centers are also involved in monitoring human rights mechanisms and organizing public awareness campaigns on these issues.
Aim & Principles
Aim: The primary objective of HRFACs is to cultivate a cadre of well-trained human rights defenders who are ready to advocate for the protection of their own rights and those of their communities. They strive to empower citizens to independently address human rights challenges with minimal external assistance.
Principles: HRFACs can be established in any community with the active involvement of a minimum number of interested individuals. These centers operate based on the principles of voluntary mutual support and fostering robust relationships within the community.
Actions Taken by HRFACs
- Promptly establish a supportive connection with affected parties upon receiving information about a threat, demonstrating social solidarity.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of challenges faced and provide education on available solutions, support, and protection.
- Assist in the preparation of complaints, affidavits, and necessary legal documents with victim consent.
- Participate in institutional investigations, support victims, and monitor institutional performance.
- Inform affected individuals about governmental and non-governmental organizations providing legal, medical, and psychosocial support.
- Conduct essential training programs for internal personnel to nurture community defenders.
- Design and implement community-tailored educational programs on fundamental human rights.
- Monitor, document, and report community human rights violations.
- Notify governmental and non-governmental human rights organizations promptly to mobilize support.
- Publish videos, books, and materials highlighting violations to foster societal education.
Practical Steps for Establishing HRFACs
- Initiate preliminary discussions about forming a defender group with any interested local group (minimum 10 individuals).
- Establish a human rights first aid society following agreement (minimum 5 interested members).
- Provide comprehensive training to volunteers regarding human rights, fundamental rights, legal actions, and document preparation.
- Secure a permanent community location operating at least 3 days a week with volunteer staff.
- Organize publicity programs (leaflets, posters) to raise awareness of services.
- Form a regional committee comprising journalists, lawyers, and civil society representatives to link with authorities.
Let’s Take Action as Responsible Citizens!
During the time of our independence, we stood among the most influential nations in Asia. However, today, we face unprecedented challenges that cannot be easily overcome. Certain governments and officials post-independence bear responsibility for the present state of affairs. Simultaneously, as citizens, we must acknowledge our role in allowing the country to reach this point.
It is our duty, as responsible citizens, to take decisive action against officials engaged in illegal activities, including crime, violence, bribery, and corruption. Whenever we witness or hear of any unlawful conduct, we must act swiftly.
State Mechanisms to Submit Complaints
1. Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
Submit fundamental rights violation complaints via Colombo main office, regional offices, or online.
2. Fundamental Rights Petition (Supreme Court)
File an FR petition via a lawyer within 30 days. Low-income earners can send an affidavit to the Chief Justice or Bar Association.
3. National Police Commission
Complain regarding non-investigation, abuse, illegal arrest, or false prosecution by police.
Web: npc.gov.lkĀ
Hotline: 1960 | Tel: 0112166500
4. Inspector General of Police
Direct complaints regarding illegal actions by police officers through online portals.
Web: www.police.lk
Direct: telligp.police.lk
5. Freedom of Information Act
Submit an information request to any government institute under the RTI Act to obtain required details.
Notice: Also, forward a copy of the complaint to us for further information and tracking.
HRFACs Coordinators’ Contact Information
Human Rights First Aid Centers (HRFACs) are operating throughout the country to assist you. Contact the regional coordinators below:
Member Organizations & Collectives
SLCAT (The Sri Lankan Collective Against Torture)
The Sri Lankan Collective Against Torture (SLCAT) is a national level network which consists of 28 member organizations around Sri Lanka. The coalition is led by the Right to Life Human Rights Center and was formed with the aim of creating a torture-free Sri Lanka.
Lawyers for Rights
Established in 2021 by the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, this Collective of Lawyers includes legal professionals from rural areas working for the promotion and protection of Human Rights. They provide legal assistance for HRFACs of R2L and cater to victims and survivors nationwide.
Journalists for Rights
Founded in 2019 to promote press freedom and ethical journalism practice while addressing journalists’ professional rights. Registered as a Trade Union by the Commissioner General of Labour.
Citizens for Justice
A collective of torture and human rights violation survivors working with R2L to reach fellow citizens in need to address their issues and uphold the country’s human rights profile.
International Partners
We work in collaboration with leading international human rights networks and organizations:
- Asian Human Rights Commission
- Forum Asia
- Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network
- World Organization Against Torture
- International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims