International Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day was held on 10th December 2008 at Ambagamuwa Divisional Secretariat office. The programme was organized by Setik Human Rights Unit in coordination with the divisional secretariat of Ambagamuwa. The main aim of this programme was to obtain the birth certificates, national identity cards and other relevant documents of the tea plantation people in the district of Nuwara Eliya. The tea plantation people have to face lots of hardships in obtaining the above said documents to get the citizenship. During this programme we completed the relevant documents and prepared separate files for each individual who don’t have the above mentioned documents. Meantime we were able to issue 68 birth certificates on the spot for 68 people since they were able to provide us all the relevant documents. Meantime 24 people were registered and 14 birth certificates were amended and provided to the relevant persons.

During this programme an art exhibition on human rights violations and children’s rights, was organized for school children. 365 children took part at the art exhibition and 100 certificates were given for the selected arts.

Exhibiting of cutouts on domestic violence, police torture, child labour and migration issues were also took place during the programme. A sticker campaign was carried and 4000 stickers were distributed during this day under the theme “Human dignity and justice for all of us”

Education Programme for Lawyers

The Setik institute organized an awareness programme for lawyers on 29th August 2008 in Kandy. Thirty Eight lawyers took part in the programme. Civil Appeal High Court judge Honorable Mr Leon Senavirathna was the resource person who gave a talk on “the Civil Appeal High Court and their responsibilities."

Our main aim was to help people in order to protect their basic rights. We were able to reach-out to our aim through the guidance of Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney and the lawyer Mrs.Suranji Wijenayaka and through the help of the staff.

It was highly appreciated by the lawyers and requested us to organize more programmes for them.

Awareness programme for Nurses

This Programme was held on 16th of July 2008 at nurses Auditorium, Teaching Hospital, Kandy organized by the Human Rights unit of SETIK. . Mainly one of our goals is to make them aware on Domestic Violence & Rules Regulation on Domestic Violence Act.

There were 62 male & Female Nurses participated at the programme and Mrs. Suranji Wijenayaka (Att-at-law) involved as the resource person. During the programme at the opening discussion session participants discussed the problems which they face in their day today life and shared their experiences. At the end of the programme they expressed their ideas saying that it was a great help for them as well as to help the people with whom they come in contact daily.

“May Day” Celebration

To mark the “May Day” Human Rights unit of Setik organized a Seminar on Labour Rights in the district of Nuwaraeliya of Central region on 3rd May 2008. More than 200 plantation sector people took part in this programme. We selected plantation sector people for this programme because they are the marginalized group in the society. We made them aware about their rights and we opened a discussion to talk about their problems as well as to talk about the conflict issues. Finally after the programme we were able to direct them to the relevant authorities to solve their problems. The people who participated at the programme were very much impressed and they appreciate it.

Exhibition on Human Rights Violations

Setik organized an exhibition on Human Rights highlighting various Human Rights violations in our society today. The exhibition was held at St. Xavier’s Parish hall in Nuwara Eliya on 6th July 2007. There were nearly 350 cartoon posters exhibited at this exhibition. More than 100 children visited the exhibition and after viewing the exhibition they were given an opportunity to draw a picture on how they see the violations of Human Rights in our society.

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY PROGRAMME

1st May 2007

Theme:-

“ Labourers are the Foundation of the Economy of a country. It is our duty to protect them.”

Venue :- Asgiriya Estate, Matale

Participants :- 250 Plantation Labourers

Resource Persons:-
Mr. Trini Gordon Rayan - Att-at-Law
Mr. A.C.S. Crooz - Co-ordinatior Plantation Programme (SETIK)

The Human Rights Unit of SETIK organized a seminar under the theme of “Human Rights of the Tea Plantation Workers”. The seminar was to provide an opportunity for labourers to understand and to clarify matters pertaining to the work. This was something different for them from their routine May Day rallies and protests.

In organizing this programme the people of Asgiriya Estate had a share in the planning. The programme commenced with the formal welcome given by the people of Asgiriya estate to the Resource Persons & the SETIK Team. The traditional oil lamp was lit and introductions were made before the commencement of the seminar.

The contents of programme of the Seminar

Introduction: How a “Labour Day” came into existence.

- Human Rights
- Issues labourers face - how to seek solutions
- Legal aspect of Rights of Labourers.
- Issues that Plantation Labourers face with managements.
- The Labour Department and the Labourers.
- Employment Provident Fund & Employees Trust Fund.
- Citizenship and Plantation Labourers
- Steps to be taken when a Labourers meets with an accident while on duty.

A very enlightening and instructive talk on the above points was followed by questions and opened discussion.

This programme was facilitated by the Human Rights Unit of SETIK; Mr. Asela Bandara, Mrs. Yamuna Hettige and Mr. Bandara Darmapriya.