RFP/S4P/2511/96 Capacity Development enhasing use of Victim Impact Statements

UNDP Sri Lanka’s Flagship Portfolio on SDG16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions brings together inclusive governance and peacebuilding work under one umbrella. The portfolio is implemented by UNDP as part of its Country Programme and the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework and enables the provision of cohesive and integrated support to the Government of Sri Lanka. UNDP is currently planning multiple reform initiatives for the governance sector under its “Security 4 Peace Global Flagship” project.  

The "Security 4 Peace Global Flagship" delivered through the Global Programme for the Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights, this support strengthens national and local capacities, enables development approaches in fragile settings and enables people-centred approaches. It seeks to build inclusive, effective institutions that respond to the human rights and security and justice needs of all, particularly those most impacted by the crises and left behind. 

Sri Lanka’s Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, No. 10 of 2023 gives victims of crime the right to submit a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) to the court or commission. VIS provide courts with comprehensive information on how a crime has affected a victim’s life, beyond the factual evidence presented during trial. Judges may consider these statements during sentencing, ensuring penalties reflect the full scope of harm caused

 Objective;

This initiative seeks to enhance the use of victim impact statements through awareness and capacity building of relevant justice sector stakeholders.