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Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) is a human rights non-governmental organization incorporated in 1997 by a group of human rights lawyers and activists for the protection and promotion of human rights of every citizen in Sri Lanka. CHRD is registered under the Registrar of Companies Act as a non-profit making organization.

Since 2000, CHRD has provided free legal services to political detainees, legal representation on behalf of aggrieved parties in landmark cases and legal intervention in ‘disappearance’ cases on behalf of the ‘disappeared’ victims’ families. Apart from providing legal services CHRD is carrying out a profound study on how an undemocratic piece of legislation like the PTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) contributed to the gross violation of Human Rights in the country, through a series of seminars, workshops, analytical and thorough research and field investigations, etc. An analysis of the PTA and its horrendous effects will be studied in depth. Besides, CHRD is carrying out capacity building training programme for local NGOs and CBOs (Community Based Organizations) in the North, East and plantation sector. Training includes CBO Management and Social Mobilization.  CHRD has a network of 350 organizations in the above areas.  

At present, CHRD is involved in documenting escalating numbers of enforced disappearances in the Northeast and filing habeas corpus applications.

 

The objectives of CHRD are:

 

Foster understanding among ethnic communities for better appreciation of each other’s problems and explore collectively, opportunities for coordinating efforts for promoting human rights, welfare and development.
 

 

Stimulate public opinion favorable to permanent peace and prosperity for all citizens of Sri Lanka.
 

 

The promotion of education in the field of human rights and fundamental freedom including knowledge and understanding of international instruments among the general public and in association with any individual organization or group concerned with charitable and educational working in the field of human rights, training and intervention.
 

 

Collaborate with international organizations in their effort to protect human rights and civil and political rights.
 

 

Promote development research, training activities and ethnic studies by furthering cooperation and exchange among concerned individuals, organizations and institutions.
 

 

Facilitate flow of human rights information and documentation among human rights workers, organizations and institutions.

 

 

CHRD's Aim is to have a society with equal opportunities to all communities of the country and the rights of each and every body are well protected.

It is governed by a Board of Governors comprise nine members, human rights lawyers and activists. Founder member and human rights activist, Mr. N. Kandasamy, is spearheading CHRD since its inception. He is currently serving as the executive Secretary of the organization.

CHRD has a efficient and diverse staff base operating from the head office in Colombo. They comprise Finance and Administrative Manager, Programme Manager, Legal Coordinator, ICT Officer, Documentation officer and Office Assistants. Apart from coordination with the CHRD branch office in Jaffna, work is carried out through  networking organizations, human rights lawyers, activists and civil society members island-wide. Programme coordinators have been appointed at district levels. 

In 2004, a branch office was opened in Jaffna in order to carry out increasing involuntary disappearance cases (habeas corpus cases), enhance capacity of NGOs and CBOs located in the Peninsula and gather data on violations.

 

The CHRD has three main units;

 

   
LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

Free legal services to political detainees & torture victims / legal representation on behalf of aggrieved parties in landmark cases / legal intervention in ‘disappearance’ cases on behalf of the ‘disappeared’ victims’ families.

           
COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY PROGRAMME

1. CAMPAIGN & ADVOCACY

Campaign for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)

Campaign against arbitrary arrests & torture, cordon and search operations, involuntary disappearances, inhuman treatment of political detainees under the emergency and PTA regulations

(The programme includes Consultative Meetings / Seminars/ Press Conferences / Fact Fining Missions / Signature Campaign / Book Launch)

 

          2. CAPACITY BUILDING & HUMAN RIGHTS AWARENESS RAISING PROGRAMME

Workshops and seminars for CBOs NGOs and Civil Society in the North, East, plantation sectors and Colombo

           

3. NETWORKING, DATA COLLECTION AND DOCUMENTATION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION

           
     

Financial Assistance  

CHRD is funded by a number of international donors. At present CHRD is funded by,

 

    Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust (NTT)  
  HELVETAS, a organization based in Switzerland,  
  Catholic Agency of Overseas Development (CAFOD), UK  
         

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