The Unseen Ordeal: What Happens After a Child Speaks Up About Sexual Abuse
When a child speaks up about sexual abuse, the world often reacts to the story only at its most tragic endpoint – when it’s too late. But what I need the public…
Youth
Ragging and Sadism in Sri Lanka
The Rajagiriya police arrested Sathsara Nimesh and publicly humiliated him by removing his trousers. At Sabaragamuwa University, seniors tortured Charith Dilshan to death for wearing shorts. Dilshi Amshika, who was sexually abused…
Breaches Of Fiduciary Trust And Duty Of Care
The tragic loss of a young girl called Amshi in recent weeks has caused a great deal of grief and anger in the community. But will this lead to changes in law…
Emphasising Child Rights and Confronting Challenges
Universal Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 every year globally and honours the youngest members of society by recognising children’s unique rights and needs. While the purpose has evolved since its…
The Urgent Fight Against Child Sexual Abuse
As defined by the United Nations International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a child is any person under the age of 18. This period of life for any child…
Youth Suicide: Need for Greater Intergenerational Awareness
The recent incidents reported in the Sri Lankan media regarding youth suicides have revealed that the mental and emotional wellbeing of our children is in serious decline. This a global phenomenon, with…
Coping with Mental Health Challenges in the Digital Age
As technology continues to evolve, young people increasingly turn to digital devices to navigate everyday life. While these tools have transformed communication, education and entertainment, they also contribute to the mental health…
Leaving No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on July 30 to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote the rights of trafficking victims. The day was first observed in…
New Strategies Needed to Fight Rising Online Child Abuse
The increasing prevalence of online child abuse has emerged as a pressing issue not only in Sri Lanka but globally as well and demands urgent and multidimensional responses. The digital age has…
On Consent – Romeo and Juliet and the Draft Bill
Newscutter What is consent? When it comes to sexual relations, the concept of consent is that it must be between two consenting adults. Currently, the age of consent for girls in Sri…
A Milestone for Child Rights
In a progressive move, Sri Lanka has shed ambiguity in its child protection laws with an amendment transforming the Children and Young Persons’ Ordinance into the Children’s Ordinance. Crucially, the amendment raises…
Sex Education and Stronger Justice System Can Prevent Child Rape
In 2023, 1,502 girl children were raped in Sri Lanka and of them 167 became pregnant. These figures were disclosed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police and head of the Bureau…
Children are the First Victims of Every Conflict
Children have always been the most vulnerable and innocent casualties of any conflict. Past conflicts have had a devastating impact on children’s lives and ongoing conflicts continue to perpetuate their suffering. The…
Sri Lanka’s Journey on Universal Children’s Day
Universal Children’s Day is an important global event that focuses on the rights and welfare of children worldwide. It is celebrated on the 20th of November in commemoration of two significant milestones…
Building a Future: the Young People who Chose to Stay
Last year saw a record number of passports issued – nearly 875,000; they were not for people going on holiday but for workers escaping an economic meltdown and an unstable future. According…