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Human Rights Awareness

Building a society that values dignity, equality, justice, and respect for every individual.

Introduction

Human rights awareness is the foundation for building a society that values dignity, equality, and justice. This section provides knowledge about human rights, legal protections available in Sri Lanka, and international frameworks established to protect the rights of all individuals.

What Are Human Rights?

Definition

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person. They ensure that every individual can live with dignity, equality, and respect regardless of background or circumstances.

Key Human Rights

  • Right to Life and Personal Security
  • Right to Equality
  • Right to Education
  • Freedom of Expression
  • Freedom of Religion
  • Right to Justice and Fair Treatment

Local Human Rights Framework – Sri Lanka

Constitution of Sri Lanka – Fundamental Rights

  • Article 12 – Right to Equality
  • Article 11 – Freedom from Torture
  • Article 10 – Freedom of Religion
  • Article 14 – Freedom of Expression & Assembly
  • Protection against unlawful arrest and detention.

Human Rights Commission Act No. 21 of 1996

  • Promote human rights awareness
  • Investigate complaints
  • Monitor human rights conditions
  • Recommend legal improvements
  • Promote international standards

Other Sri Lankan Laws

  • Penal Code of Sri Lanka
  • Prevention of Domestic Violence Act No.34 of 2005
  • Employment Laws
  • Children and Young Persons Ordinance
  • Right to Information Act No.12 of 2016

International Human Rights Framework

UDHR (1948)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishing dignity, equality, liberty and justice for everyone.

ICCPR (1966)

Protects civil and political rights including freedom, privacy, fair trial and minority rights.

ICESCR (1966)

Protects economic, social and cultural rights including education, health and employment.

CRC (1989)

Protects children's rights to education, identity, healthcare and participation.

CEDAW (1979)

Eliminates discrimination against women and promotes equal opportunities.

CRPD (2006)

Protects the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities through equality and inclusion.




Why Human Rights Awareness Matters

✔ Recognize your rights and responsibilities
✔ Respect the rights of others
✔ Identify unfair treatment
✔ Promote equality and justice

Together for Human Dignity

Human rights awareness creates empowered individuals and strengthens communities where dignity, equality and justice are respected for everyone.



Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & Human Rights

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to create a more peaceful, equal, and sustainable world by addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to create a more peaceful, equal, and sustainable world by addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Human rights and the SDGs are closely connected because achieving sustainable development requires protecting the dignity, equality, and freedoms of all people.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 1
SDG 2
SDG 3
SDG 4
SDG 5
SDG 6
SDG 7
SDG 8
SDG 9
SDG 10
SDG 11
SDG 12
SDG 13
SDG 14
SDG 15
SDG 16
SDG 17

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. It establishes the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person, everywhere in the world.

1

Equality and Freedom

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

2

Freedom from Discrimination

Everyone is entitled to all rights and freedoms without discrimination of any kind.

3

Right to Life, Liberty and Security

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and personal security.

4

Freedom from Slavery

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude.

5

Freedom from Torture

No one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

6

Recognition Before the Law

Everyone has the right to be recognized as a person before the law.

7

Equality Before the Law

Everyone is equal before the law and deserves equal legal protection.

8

Right to an Effective Remedy

Everyone has the right to seek legal remedies when their rights are violated.

9

Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

10

Right to a Fair Trial

Everyone has the right to a fair and public hearing by an independent court.

11

Presumption of Innocence

Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

12

Right to Privacy

Everyone has the right to privacy, family, home and protection of reputation.

13

Freedom of Movement

Everyone has the right to move freely and choose where to live within their country.

14

Right to Seek Asylum

Everyone has the right to seek protection from persecution in another country.

15

Right to Nationality

Everyone has the right to a nationality and cannot be arbitrarily deprived of it.

16

Marriage and Family

Adults have the right to marry and establish a family with free and full consent.

17

Right to Property

Everyone has the right to own property individually or with others.

18

Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

19

Freedom of Opinion and Expression

Everyone has the right to hold opinions and express ideas freely.

20

Freedom of Assembly and Association

Everyone has the right to peaceful assembly and to join associations.

21

Participation in Government

Everyone has the right to participate in government and public affairs.

22

Right to Social Security

Everyone has the right to social security and economic protection.

23

Right to Work

Everyone has the right to work, fair wages and safe working conditions.

24

Right to Rest and Leisure

Everyone has the right to rest, leisure and reasonable working hours.

25

Adequate Standard of Living

Everyone has the right to food, clothing, housing, healthcare and essential services.

26

Right to Education

Everyone has the right to education that promotes human dignity and understanding.

27

Participation in Cultural Life

Everyone has the right to participate in cultural life and benefit from scientific progress.

28

Social and International Order

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order where these rights can be realized.

29

Duties to the Community

Everyone has responsibilities to the community while respecting the rights of others.

30

Protection of Human Rights

No individual, group or state may destroy or limit the rights and freedoms set out in the UDHR.

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