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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.
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The objectives
of CHRD are: |
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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.
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Stimulate public opinion favorable to permanent peace and prosperity for
all citizens of Sri Lanka.
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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.
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Collaborate with international organizations in their effort to protect
human rights and civil and political rights.
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Promote development
research, training activities and ethnic studies by
furthering cooperation and exchange among concerned individuals, organizations
and institutions.
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Facilitate flow
of human rights information and documentation among human rights workers,
organizations and institutions.
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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.
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The CHRD has
three main units; |
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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.
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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)
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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
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3. NETWORKING, DATA
COLLECTION AND DOCUMENTATION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION |
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Financial Assistance |
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CHRD is funded by a number of international donors. At
present CHRD is funded by, |
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Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust (NTT) |
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HELVETAS, a
organization based in Switzerland, |
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Catholic Agency of Overseas Development
(CAFOD), UK |
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