HR Violations: Witness protection and assistance
[Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 9.00 GMT]    

In an important move to help in investigations into serious crime and human rights violations, witness protection and other assistance have been offered
in sixteen high profile probes into assassinations and killings involving human rights violations, conducted by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate and inquire into alleged serious violations of
Human Rights. 

In his recent meeting with editors and heads of media organizations President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the Government was prepared to provide protection to witnesses who come forward with evidence in inquiries into abductions and disappearances.  

The Police have on many occasions stated that there was insufficient evidence from witnesses for proper inquiry into cases of abductions and killings. Several international human rights organizations have also
stressed on the need for witness protection for the effective probes into human rights violations. 

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry made a public announcement today in Sinhala, Tamil and English, on the establishment of a Victims and Witnesses
Assistance and Protection Programme under a special unit (VWAPU). 

Victims and witnesses who wish to provide information to the Commission would receive necessary material assistance and the Commission would ensure strict confidentiality and anonymity, Commission sources said. 

The programme would include among others, the provision of independent security personnel, safe houses and relocation of witnesses within or outside Sri Lanka. There is also provision for witnesses to use pseudonyms and give evidence in camera and even evidence via video link for those residing outside the country. 

The VWAP programme also includes transport facilities, accommodation and subsistence, compensation for loss of income, legal assistance, counseling and medical treatment for victims and witnesses. 

The Commission is empowered to investigate among others the assassinations of former Foreign Affairs Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Parliamentarians Joseph Pararajasingham, and N. Raviraj, the killing of 17 aid workers of Action Contre La Faim, the killing of five youths in Trincomalee, the killing of 10 Muslim villagers at Radella, the death of 51 persons in Sencholai, the killing of 68 persons in Kebitigollewa, the killing of 98
security forces personnel in Sigiriya and the disappearance of Rev. Jim Brown of Philip Neri's Church at Allaipidi.     

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Last Updated Date: June 06, 2007 - 9.00 GMT