Initiated in Germany in 2015, the "Braut sein ab 18" project aims to address the critical issue of child marriage in refugee camps. This project was launched in Karlsruhe, where many refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and various parts of Asia and Africa reside.
Child marriage, defined as marriage before the age of 18, is a common practice in many of these communities. However, it leads to numerous social issues and legal complexities within the European Union, as these marriages often conflict with EU laws.
The primary goals of this ongoing project are to provide counseling and prevent underage marriages. Through education and support, "Braut sein ab 18" seeks to protect young girls from the adverse consequences of early marriage and ensure their rights and well-being are upheld.
The "100 Foot Bicycle Project," active from 2015 to 2017, was implemented in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. This initiative focused on supporting families with single parents, particularly those with school-aged children.
Anuradhapura, known for its arid climate, faces significant challenges, including a high prevalence of kidney illnesses that have left many families with widowed parents. The project aimed to address these issues by providing essential support in several key areas:
The "100 Foot Bicycle Project" significantly improved the quality of life for many families in Anuradhapura, fostering better educational opportunities and addressing critical daily needs.
The "Refugee and Migration Counselling" project, initiated in 2015 and ongoing, specifically supports Sri Lankan refugees and migrants in Germany. This project focuses on educating individuals about German and EU refugee and migration laws and providing comprehensive case management services.
Key features of this project include:
By offering these services, the "Refugee and Migration Counselling" project plays a crucial role in helping Sri Lankan refugees and migrants integrate into German society and navigate their new environments effectively.
Sri Lanka has grappled with persistent human rights challenges for decades, exacerbated by significant events such as the tragic Easter attacks on April 21, 2021. These incidents have intensified scrutiny on human rights issues within the country, particularly regarding social justice and the transparency of the judiciary.
In 2021, the Mother Association intervened prominently in the case of Parliamentarian Mr. Ranjan Ramanayake, who received a rigorous four-year prison sentence for contempt of court. Successfully advocating for his presidential pardon, the Association also put forth nine recommendations aimed at reforming Sri Lanka's legal and parliamentary frameworks.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) responded to our complaint with these nine recommendations directed at both the Sri Lankan Parliament and the President of Sri Lanka. These recommendations underscore the necessity for reforms following the Ranjan Ramanayake case.
This ongoing project involves escalating complaints from Sri Lanka to international bodies such as the UNHCR and other institutions. It seeks to highlight continued efforts to address human rights violations and advocate for legal reforms in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the crucial role of international cooperation and advocacy in promoting justice and accountability.
Decision adopted unanimously by the IPU Governing Council at its 208th session (Madrid, 30 November 2021).
Ranjan Ramanayake
As Sri Lankans living abroad, we are launching the Global Centre for Monitoring Political and Economic Crimes in Sri Lanka with the mission to hold corrupt politicians accountable for their actions and facilitate the repatriation of stolen assets to benefit the nation.
Research and Documentation: Gather evidence and documentation of corrupt practices and financial misconduct by Sri Lankan politicians through international sources and investigative journalism.
Legal Expertise: Engage legal experts specializing in international law, asset recovery, and anti-corruption measures to advise and support our efforts.
Partnerships and Alliances: Forge partnerships with like-minded organizations, legal experts, and activists globally to strengthen our advocacy and increase our impact.
Regularly assess the progress and impact of our advocacy efforts through monitoring key developments in Sri Lanka's political and legal landscape. Evaluate the effectiveness of international lobbying and engagement in influencing policy changes and promoting accountability measures.
Through the establishment of the Global Centre for Monitoring Political and Economic Crimes in Sri Lanka, we aim to contribute significantly to the fight against corruption in Sri Lanka. By holding accountable those responsible for financial crimes and facilitating the return of stolen assets, we strive to support the aspirations of all Sri Lankans for justice, transparency, and equitable development.
Justice for Sri Lanka: https://www.justiceforsl.org/contact/
This project is driven by a commitment to uphold human rights, promote good governance, and foster sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
Background:
In continuation of our commitment to promoting literacy and cultural understanding in Sri Lanka, The Mother Association e.V. proposes the expansion of community libraries under the project "Stories Matter." This initiative builds on our successful efforts in developing trilingual children's literature and aims to further enrich educational resources in underserved regions.
Project Description:
"Stories Matter" focuses on establishing and enhancing community libraries across Sri Lanka to provide children aged 6-12 with access to diverse, culturally relevant literature. The project emphasizes the role of storytelling in fostering empathy, understanding, and mutual respect among young readers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Goals:
Implementation Strategy:
Needs Assessment and Site Selection: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify suitable locations for community libraries based on accessibility and educational needs.
Library Setup and Book Distribution: Collaborate with local partners to set up libraries, procure books, and establish library management systems that promote inclusivity and accessibility.
Community Engagement: Launch awareness campaigns and workshops to engage parents, educators, and community leaders in supporting library usage and literacy initiatives.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a robust monitoring framework to track library usage, reading habits, and community feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and impact assessment.
Partnership and Sustainability:
Forge partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and governmental bodies to ensure the long-term sustainability of libraries. Establish a network of support to expand library services and promote lifelong learning opportunities for children.
Conclusion:
Through "Stories Matter," The Mother Association e.V. seeks to empower children in Sri Lanka with the transformative power of stories, fostering cultural appreciation, empathy, and educational attainment. By investing in community libraries and promoting diverse literature, we aim to build bridges across cultural divides and contribute to a more cohesive and literate society in Sri Lanka.
This project proposal outlines a strategic approach to expanding educational opportunities and promoting cultural exchange through community libraries, underlining the significance of storytelling in fostering understanding and unity among children in Sri Lanka.
This Project 2023 is successfully closed.
