CHRI Releases Updated Human Rights Advocacy Guide
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) today released an updated handbook on human rights advocacy in the Commonwealth. Our last edition was published in 2005. We work slowly but surely… That said, this recent handbook comes at a time when civil society is fast diminishing across the globe.
CHRI responds to Commonwealth watchdog’s opinion on the Maldives
The situation in the Maldives continues to worsen. But the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), the watchdog appointed by the Commonwealth to guard democratic values in member states, continues to bark but not bite. CHRI responds to the latest review of the Maldives by CMAG.
CHRI marks Right to Know Day with, well, Information
Today, September 28, is International Right to Know Day. And, no, it’s not a holiday. We are glad to report that the fight to effect right to information laws in the Commonwealth has seen marked success this year. In 2016, Sri Lanka and Kenya enacted information access laws. So far 22 of the 53 Commonwealth member states have passed national level laws.
CHRI, in a report, draws attention to dire situation in the Maldives
This submission from the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) draws attention to serious failures of the Maldives government to make progress on priority areas identified by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in February 2016.
CHRI revives monthly RTI news digest
This digest of Right to Information (RTI) related news stories across South Asia is a Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) effort to present a monthly compilation of online media coverage on use of public information in the region.
CHRI sends submission to the National Human Rights Commission
This CHRI submission to the National Consultation of National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) for India’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) includes information on the following areas: overcrowding of prisoners, strengthening legal aid services, custodial violence, access to prison, foreign national prisoners, strengthening police complaints authority, transparency in criminal just
Sri Lanka Right to Information Act
The Hon'ble Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka certified their RTI Bill as having been "duly passed by Parliament". With this certification, the RTI Bill has become law in Sri Lanka.
Actionable Measures on Police Reforms
It is the State’s duty to provide the public with an efficient, responsive and law-abiding police service. As such, the government must ensure that each police officer and the police as a service go about their functions and duties in a manner that respects human rights and the rule of law, builds confidence and cooperation with the community.
THE POLICE — POLITICIAN PARADIGM -The Executive - Police Relationship
This paper seeks to add clarity and enhance debate as to the relationship between the political executive and police, particularly how it can be delineated in statutes.
Briefing Note on Standards on Investigation and Protection of Victims and Witnesses in instances of Caste Atrocities
On 11 July 2016, four Dalit men were abused, stripped and beaten with iron rods and wooden sticks for allegedly skinning a dead cow. The incident took place in Una town, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat. The brutality lasted for hours in full public view but no one intervened. Not even the police.