ARC voices grave concern regarding Riot at Fiyavathi Shelter.

In light of the events that ensued on 17th September 2021: ARC reflects urgent concerns regarding the state of affairs at Fiyavathi Shelter, which houses children under 13 years taken under State care. 
 
A culmination of incidents over the past few weeks following similar events in the past: The events of 17th September 2021, widely received as a riot ensued, resulting in considerable damages including the fire in the building and some children living in the shelter being seen unsupervised on the rooftop bringing about damage to windows, all while claiming mistreatment is of critical and grave concern. 
 
ARC is also concerned that these events add to a series of recent negative events at Kudakudhinge Hiya, including 4 fire incidents in the last three months, which result from numerous issues within the shelters, including the failure to adequately manage the facility and address the needs of children. 
 
Such incidents as well as the claims of those involved in the riot is indicative of a lack of adequate support, and ARC calls on the State to ensure that the children are being provided with all forms of support that they require, in a manner that respects and protects their rights and dignity. 
 
ARC highlights the grave importance of this matter and how critical it is that we deal with it immediately as they reiterate the calls on the State to improve security and affirm the safety of all children under State Care, including conducting a fire and safety audit of the Shelter to assure that similar incidents do not recur. ARC also calls on relevant authorities to urgently investigate the reasons behind these repeated incidents and ensure accountability from those managing shelters. 
 
Any incidences of mistreatment must be dealt with immediately, and urgent action needs to be taken to ensure the protection and well-being of all children.