Empowering National Human Rights Institutions to Advance Rights-Based Climate Action 27 Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) was established in 1996 under the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No. 21 of 1996.79 It was formed as an independent statutory body with the mandate to promote and protect human rights in Sri Lanka, in accordance with the country’s Constitution and international human rights commitments. HRCSL is empowered to investigate complaints of human rights violations, provide recommendations to the government on legal and policy reforms, monitor the state’s compliance with human rights standards, and conduct awareness and educational programmes on human rights issues. HRCSL is currently accredited as an “A” status NHRI by GANHRI.80 The HRCSL conducts site monitoring during climate-related events like flooding, coordinating with government authorities. They investigate complaints and monitor issues such as livelihoods and temporary shelters. However, HRCSL lacks deep expertise in climate change and human rights intersections. The HRCSL is not currently involved in advising on national climate change policies or strategies. The HRCSL recognises the importance of ensuring government interventions are free from discriminatory practices. However, HRCSL currently does not have the opportunity to provide input on national climate change policies and strategies. There is potential for the HRCSL to approach relevant ministries to ensure human rights standards are incorporated into these policies. The HRCSL faces challenges in addressing climate-related issues, particularly in relocating affected communities due to land availability problems. The Commission itself does not face significant security challenges, but HRDs encounter threats, especially when dealing with environmental issues involving powerful economic interests. The HRCSL supports HRDs, including those working on environmental issues. They can initiate inquiries based on complaints or suo moto cases. The Commission is preparing guidelines for HRDs, which will include provisions for EHRDs. In disaster response, the HRCSL ensures their staff are trained to be sensitive to gender issues, addressing the needs of women, children, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities. They focus on vulnerable groups, particularly in the plantation sector, during natural disasters. The HRCSL also collaborates with international partners like the Norwegian Human Rights Institution and the CFNHRI. They participate in awareness and training programmes through these partnerships. However, they lack local coordination specifically on climate change issues. 79 Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act 1996. 80 Office of the High Commissioner for Human RIghts (n 66).