APF provides support to Sri Lanka HRC
The APF visited Colombo in September to discuss the recent decision of the ICC to downgrade the accreditation status of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.
Representatives from the Asia Pacific Forum visited Colombo in September to discuss the recent decision of the International Coordinating Committee's to downgrade the accreditation status of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, as well as practical steps that could be taken to support the work of the Commission.
During the one-week visit, made at the request of the Commission, the APF also held discussions with a broad range of the Commission’s stakeholders, including the Government, civil society, the United Nations and the international community.
In downgrading the Commission from ‘A’ status to ‘B’ status, the ICC expressed concerns about the appointment of the Commission's governing body in 2006 directly by the President, rather than on the recommendations of the Constitutional Council, as required by the Constitution.
The ICC also expressed concerns about the independence and political objectivity of the Commission; the failure of the Commission to issue annual reports; and the need for the Commission to maintain consistent relationships with civil society.
The APF was represented by Dato' Choo Siew Kioh from the Malaysian
Human Rights Commission, the current Chair of the APF, and Mr Kieren
Fitzpatrick, Director of the APF Secretariat.
