Gov. urged to sign international agreements

International human rights watchdogs have urged Sri Lanka President to review Sri Lanka’s policy regarding the legal protection that should be available to Sri Lankan migrant workers.

In an open letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said Sri Lanka should sign agreements that secure workers' rights with Middle Eastern countries.

International Agreements

“Many sources suggest that the relevant international agreements should be signed between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka (as well as in other countries where Sri Lankan migrant workers are employed), to secure their rights once they face criminal charges or punishments," the letter said.

	Rizana faces beheading in Saudi Arabia

AHRC claims it is possible to make agreements to prosecute or punish migrant Sri Lankan citizens who work abroad under Sri Lankan law.

Further it pointed out that if the cases are to be tried in a foreign land then the Sri Lankan government should ensure that its citizens get proper legal representation through the services of the receiving country.

“Until such agreements are arrived at, the Sri Lankan government should provide such services and seek, if necessary, the services of other citizens and organisations, local or international to assist the government in this regard” said the AHRC.

Rizana Nafeek

Mentioning the case of 19-year old Rizana Nafeek, who was sentenced to death by Saudi authorities, AHRC said “the plea on behalf of this teenager received overwhelming support”.

The rights watchdog has expressed its gratitude to the contributors and supporters who helped the AHRC to raise the funds need to cover the legal costs of Rizana Nafeeks’ appeal.

There is no link between recalling the ambassador and my visit to my Saudi Deputy Minister Bahila

AHRC has also appealed to the Muslim scholars on the issues involved in this case and said “we are hopeful that we will get feedback on these issues, which, hopefully, will help in her appeal”.

"We hope that the case of Rizana Nafeek will awaken the government, as well as the citizens and all persons concerned with the welfare of the migrant workers and their human rights, to take the necessary action to be able to provide effective services for persons who may face difficult problems abroad in the future," the letter added.

Appeal to the clan

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Hussin Bahila speaking to BBC Sandeshaya from Riyadh said that he has not officially met any of the high ranking Saudi authorities.

	Rizana's family in Muttur

"I personally have met several officials in Riyadh," he said.

Minister Bahila added that he appealed to the head of the clan of the victim's family to obtain a pardon to Rizana.

However, he denied media reports that the Sri Lankan ambassador, Adam AJ Sadeeq, was recalled to Sri Lanka due to his inability to arrange meetings between Saudi officials and the minister.

"There is no link between recalling the ambassador and my visit to my Saudi”, minister told bbcsinhala.com.