The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised critical concerns about the harassment and abuse faced by women on social media platforms. This issue was a focal point in the Parallel Report submitted by the HRCSL to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on January 6, 2025.
As a signatory to the CEDAW Convention, Sri Lanka is obligated to safeguard women from all forms of violence, including digital abuse. The HRCSL’s report highlighted the increasing prevalence of online harassment, particularly targeting women politicians and public figures. It emphasized the urgent need for the state to uphold principles of equality and non-discrimination while addressing these challenges.
The report comes as Sri Lanka undergoes its periodic review by the UN Committee. The HRCSL aims to influence national policies, advocating for stronger legal protections and raising awareness about the far-reaching impact of online abuse on women’s rights and well-being.
In its recommendations, the HRCSL called for comprehensive legal reforms and collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and social media platforms to combat gender-based violence in digital spaces. These actions, the Commission asserts, are vital to creating a safe and equitable online environment for women in Sri Lanka.
