powers under the Act which can be used to influence law reform, policy formulation and programmes
on Women’s Reproductive Rights and GBV. This remains an untapped potential and there is a need for
stronger networking and influence, particularly on State institutions (Human Rights Commission of Sri
Lanka Act (1996).
Responsible Agencies: Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Justice
iv) Women’s and Children’s Units in Police Stations
The reviews that have been done on these desks need to be used in strengthening the impact of these
important institutions which are often the first point for complaints on violation of rights. In particular, the
issue of infrastructure support and financial resources, as well as human resource development through
skills training including language capacity, have yet to be addressed adequately. There are currently only
8 Police Crisis Centres throughout the country and 8 One Stop Hospital Crisis Centres which also link with
the Police. Coverage of these important centres is therefore very limited and must be expanded.
Responsible Agencies: Police Department, Attorney General’s Department
v) National Child Protection Authority
This is a statutory authority created by an Act of Parliament (1998), and should be recognised as such. It
should not be placed as a unit under a Ministry as it has been since 2005. It should operate as a separate
agency if it is to fulfill its mandate and exercise the powers and responsibilities given by act of Parliament.
vi) Commission on Right to Information
The Commission provides an important resource for creating awareness on zero tolerance for GBV and
Reproductive Rights. The Right to Information Act (1998) should be studied by activists and persons
concerned with these issues to maximise the opportunities to use this Act.
vii) Monitoring Implementation of Concluding Observations of Treaty Bodies and Global
Development Policies
Though a rights based approach is today a clear dimension of State obligation, and the global development
agenda (2015) there is no government mechanism to co-ordinate and ensure that these commitments are
integrated in to national policy planning and resource allocation for effective implementation. This gap must
be urgently addressed. Treaty body reporting and Policy Review is also not undertaken systematically.
A high level institutional mechanism such as a Committee of Heads of State Agencies is required. It
should probably be located in the office of the Prime Minister or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Responsible Agencies : Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General’s Department
COMPENDIUM ON LAW, GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
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