Human Rights Congress on IDPs begins

[TamilNet, Saturday, 23 April 2005, 12:43 GMT]
Three day Human Rights Animators Congress-2005 of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) began in Trincomalee Ehambaram Play Ground Friday night. About one hundred seventy five HR activists from the districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Puttalam, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Anuradhapura are participating in the Congress which is being held under the auspices of the National Protection and Durable Solution for IDPs (Internally Displaced People) Project (NPDIP) of the HRCSL, sources said.



District delegations of HR animators attending the congress

Project Co-ordinator Mr.Senaka Dissanayake making welcome speech

Mr.N.Selvakumaran, HRCSL Commissioner and the Project Director of the NPDIP declared open the Congress by lighting the traditional oil lamp. Leaders of the District Animators' Delegations lighted campfire. Later they introduced their groups and described in detail about the IDP problems in their areas, sources said.

Mr.Senaka Dissanayake, Project Co-ordinator made the welcome address. He stressed the vital role of HR staff in protecting the rights of IDPs in their areas and also to make IDPs to live in their areas with all facilities enjoyed by others and with due respect.

HRCSL Commissioner and Project Director Mr.N.Selvakkuraman lighting the traditional oil lamp

These animators or key activists are selected from among IDPs who are residing in welfare centres. They will be briefed during the three-day session of the congress about their role in empowering IDPs to protect their rights and disseminate HR knowledge, sources said.

HR Key activists (animators)

Jaffna delegation head speaking at the inaugural event