HRCM expresses concern over the increasing incidents of crime in the country
The Human Rights Commission has released a press statement expressing concern over the increasing incidents of crime in the country. In this press release the Commission has noted that this issue of increasing crime which involves gross violations of human rights such as murder, use of weapons in attacking people and theft is a very concerning issue for the commission.
Commission also noted that the main reason behind such crimes in the society is the failure of criminals receiving due punishment as stipulated in the law and because of the release of criminals in the society with recurring records of crime. Among these criminals involve people who are sentenced for committing various crimes in the country and abroad, people sentenced in their absence, criminals released under the parole without proper rehabilitation, people involved in trafficking and abuse of drugs, pedophiles and people who had committed other serious crimes.
The report which was released by the Commission on “Increase in incidents of crime” during March 2009 had also highlighted these issues which the Commission would like to reiterate even today. The HRCM notes with dissatisfaction the lack of legal framework for criminal procedures, and important bills such as law on Evidence, Penal code, law on jail management and law on Parole has not been passed by the parliament. In addition to this the HRCM notes the failure of the concerned government authorities to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation and the shortcoming of the Department of Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Services in carrying out its responsibility.
HRCM calls upon the concerned authorities of the government to take measures right away to stop these incidents of crime which limits or violates the rights of the people to live in a free and peaceful community.
HRCM also reminds that it has at all times been working towards the betterment of the whole society in terms of human rights, democracy and rule of law rather than working towards the interest of individuals or groups.