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AI seeks probe

4 September 2010 03:47 am - 27     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Amnesty International (AI) has urged the Saudi Arabian authorities to urgently investigate allegations by a Sri Lankan woman that she was seriously abused while employed as a domestic servant in Saudi Arabia.

According to press reports in Sri Lanka and information received by Amnesty, LP Ariyawathie, a 49-year-old mother of three, was severely abused by her employers in Saudi Arabia when she complained about her heavy workload.

In a letter sent to Justice Minister Shaikh Dr Mohammed bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz al-‘Issa, Amnesty urged the Saudi authorities to investigate the allegations of abuse made by Ariyawathie and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with international fair trial standards and without recourse to corporal punishment, and that she receives reparation for her injuries.

The investigation should also examine whether the Saudi police or other authorities were informed of Ariyawathie’s allegations before her return to Sri Lanka and what action, if any, was taken in response. Any police officers or other officials who learnt of the alleged abuse but failed to take action should also be held accountable.

LP Ariyawathie’s allegations have highlighted the long-standing problems faced by domestic workers - many women from developing countries in Asia - in Saudi Arabia. They face the same discriminatory judicial practices as Saudi women but also face language difficulties and the reality of being alone in a foreign country. Domestic workers are especially vulnerable to violence and exploitation by their employers and have little recourse against abuse, Amnesty said.

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  Comments - 27

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  • Navam Gonathilak Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:43 AM

    2nd

    Saudi sponsor, who is over 60, suffers from heart conditions. “The sponsor’s doctors have advised him to do only 25 percent of his normal work because of his weak heart,” he said. “How can a person in such poor health be able to do a strenuous activity like hammer nails into a woman’s body?” He added that a woman with so many nails inside her could not survive for weeks

    Jason Sunday, 05 September 2010 03:00 AM

    Thank you AI for your crocodile tears.
    Too little... too late...

    Elaris Sunday, 05 September 2010 02:17 AM

    If the sponsor was permited to do 100% work, Ariyawathi would have atomised in the arab desert.

    mata nikang hithunan Saturday, 04 September 2010 03:37 PM

    stop exporting nails to SA

    citizen1 Saturday, 04 September 2010 03:18 PM

    you think she could have escaped from that place alive if she didn't sign?!!

    Saradial Saturday, 04 September 2010 10:36 AM

    This should be ignored because she could have singed to get salary and escape from them.

    Saradial Saturday, 04 September 2010 10:33 AM

    Why don't you give the list to AI and Government?

    Akram Gr 3,TWS,Dubai Saturday, 04 September 2010 10:33 AM

    hammering that lady is too dangerous and not good.people who hammerd the nail should be punished.

    Doool Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:58 AM

    I think Arabs in Dubai are much more civilized than the Saudi and Kuwait. At least thats the perception.

    Jawawardene Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:55 AM

    Passing the security check at the airport with so many nails seems doubtful.

    Ahem x 50 Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:52 AM

    Sounds to me that you speak prematurely.

    THUSITHA Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:51 AM

    Anyway SL must stop sending womens to Middle East ( Specially KSA & Kuwait )

    xlntgson Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:46 AM

    Amnesty International may precipitate things as they have long time hatred with the Arab nations for their use of corporal punishment least to say about capital punishment.

    Afrar Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:44 AM

    Where is our lawyers in KSA Embassy?
    It take so long period to case the file?

    Dayaratne Saturday, 04 September 2010 03:55 AM

    Thanks, Amnesty. Let's hope this makes all Sri Lankans take a balanced view of what concerned foreigners say. Some certainly have hidden agenda, but not always.

    Navam Gonathilak Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:43 AM

    1st of all

    L.T. Ariyawathi has signed a letter acknowledging her last salary and said that she did not experience any problems with her sponsor before she left Saudi Arabia.

    Faqi Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:37 AM

    Navam Gonathilak - How do you know the charges are baseless? Do you have some inside information that none of us are privy to? State your sources.

    ginger Saturday, 04 September 2010 09:18 AM

    Are you living in Eutopia? or did you sleep with a Saudi?

    M.ASHRAFF NAZIM Saturday, 04 September 2010 08:24 AM

    IT IS BETTER NOT TO SEND FEMALES HOUSE MAIDS IN FUTURE AND KEEP THE DIPLOMATIC RELATIONSHIP WITH SAUDI GOVT OTHERWISE WE ARE AT A LOSS

    perera Saturday, 04 September 2010 07:44 AM

    wow took them long enough to get in on the act.
    i suppose a mere house maid does not come on their radar
    disgraceful

    Holman Saturday, 04 September 2010 07:37 AM

    We should know the story of the other party as well. I had a terrible experience with one of our own maids when I was in the Middle East.

    Nihal Fernando Saturday, 04 September 2010 07:29 AM

    I smell a rat until this is proved beyond any doubts.

    Navam Gonathilak Saturday, 04 September 2010 06:55 AM

    Have you seen them ? Dont come to your own conclusion.

    Navam Gonathilak Saturday, 04 September 2010 06:52 AM

    Lankan maid’s torture charges baseless.“These allegations against the Saudi employer are baseless and the whole episode looks like one big drama,”

    Bakamoona Saturday, 04 September 2010 06:08 AM

    Amnesty alive ??

    srilal Saturday, 04 September 2010 04:44 AM

    Amnesty International....DO YOU KNOW..THERE' ARE MANY PEOPLE LIKE SIRIYAWATHI IN SAUDI ARABIA ..

    Navam Gonathilak Saturday, 04 September 2010 04:12 AM

    STOP maid recruitment for Saudi Arabia, till the SA authority sporting this investigation and action taken against the sponsor of the ill treated maid.


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