The Colombo Human Rights First Aid Centre was officially launched on 13 March at the premises of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, with the aim of providing legal assistance and essential knowledge to people in the Colombo District who face human rights violations.
The event was attended by civil society activists and youth representatives from the Colombo area who expressed their willingness to voluntarily support efforts to protect and promote human rights within their communities.
Delivering the welcome address, Program Officer Suneth Gajanayake introduced the work and initiatives of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre and highlighted the importance of establishing a Human Rights First Aid Centre in Colombo, in addition to the human rights centres currently operating across the island.
During the program, Dulan Dasanayake (AAL), Legal Director of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, provided an overview of the Human Rights and Civil Law Foundation Certificate Course that will be conducted through the Colombo Human Rights First Aid Centre. He emphasized that both citizens and activists should have a clear understanding of the legal steps that can be taken when human rights violations occur.
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Philip Dissanayaka, Executive Director of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, stated that human rights violations continue to occur in many parts of the world. In such a context, he emphasized the importance of building a network of active and responsible citizens who are committed to protecting human rights through practical action.
He further noted that through the Colombo Human Rights First Aid Centre, people in Colombo and surrounding areas will be able to obtain legal advice, guidance, and support related to human rights violations in a timely and affordable manner. Building a network of active human rights defenders who can assist communities is one of the key goals of this initiative.
The establishment of this centre is expected to strengthen human rights protection in the Colombo District while ensuring easier access to legal and social support services for individuals in need.