The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has joined the global community in marking Human Rights Day 2025 under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.” The Commission notes that this theme is especially relevant to Sri Lanka as the country recovers from one of the most severe natural disasters in recent history.

Over the past few weeks, continuous floods and landslides have devastated several districts, claiming lives and displacing thousands of families. Homes, schools, and critical infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving communities struggling to regain stability.

The HRCSL highlights that beyond the visible destruction, the disaster has exposed long-standing inequalities, weaknesses in disaster preparedness, and the limitations of existing social protection and emergency response systems. According to the Commission, the crisis is a stark reminder that access to safe shelter, clean water, healthcare, education, and security are not optional comforts during peaceful times but essential human rights that must guide national response and recovery efforts.

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Chairman’s Message – International Human Rights Day 2025