This appeal was submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Committee on behalf of a mother and her minor daughter after the child was subjected to corporal punishment at a private international school in Sri Lanka.
The complaint argues that Sri Lanka protects children from corporal punishment in government schools, but not in other schools, creating unequal treatment and leaving children in private and international schools exposed to abuse. It also says local authorities and school officials failed to investigate and respond effectively after the incident.
The appeal asks the Committee to find violations of Articles 2, 7, 9, 24 and 26 of the ICCPR, to require Sri Lanka to bring its laws and protections in line with the Covenant, and to provide compensation to the Applicants.
The case became a historic challenge because it placed Sri Lanka’s school discipline practices, child protection duties and legal inconsistencies under international scrutiny.