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Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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10 December 2009
Australia supports local organisations human rights initiatives
Marking International Human Rights Day on 10 December, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, announced that Australia will fund two Sri Lankan organisations, the Council of Public Policy and Women in Need, under the Australian Government’s Human Rights Small Grants Scheme (HRSGS).
A total of 36 projects valued at almost A$3 million were selected for funding under Australia’s HRSGS from countries across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Council of Public Policy (CPP) is a private Sri Lankan policy institute engaged in the development of policy options which focus on good governance and conflict transformation. In partnership with the Jaffna Legal Aid Centre, CPP will run a series of legal training programs aimed at building local capacity and offering legal assistance - including on land title documentation - to facilitate the return and resettlement of Jaffna residents affected by the past conflict.
Women in Need (WIN) is a well-established local organisation that aims to promote a violence free society where women can fully enjoy the rights guaranteed through various constitutional and legal provisions. WIN will receive Australian funding for a project to address domestic violence against women and as part of the program will offer psychological, legal and counselling services as well as conducting sensitisation programs for local communities. WIN’s activities will take place across the country, including in Colombo, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Matara, Badulla, Puttulam and Jaffna.
Australia has a strong record of promoting human rights internationally and was one of 47 original signatories to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was first signed 61 years ago today. Australia has been a leading proponent of the Declaration's consistent and comprehensive implementation.
Media contact : Surovi Abeyratne on 2463242