Former Foreign Secretary and senior diplomat Prasad Kariyawasam won unanimous election as the Chairperson of the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW). The committee selected him during the opening session of its 42nd meeting held on May 28 at Palais Wilson in Geneva.
Experienced Diplomat Returns to Lead the Committee.
Kariyawasam accepted the leadership role and stressed the importance of a stronger strategic approach to address current human rights challenges. He also highlighted the difficulties that international human rights bodies face due to limited resources and increasing global migration concerns. He said the committee must strengthen its efforts to protect migrant workers and support their families more effectively in the coming years.
The United Nations elected Kariyawasam to the CMW committee in June 2023. He will now lead the committee for the next two years. His appointment marks a significant moment because he also served as the first Chairperson when the committee started its work in 2004.
Strong Contribution to Migrant Workers’ Rights.
Kariyawasam worked closely with governments and civil society organisations for more than a decade to improve protections for migrant workers worldwide. His extensive experience and diplomatic leadership strengthened international cooperation on migration and human rights matters.
His latest appointment reflects the international community’s confidence in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic expertise and his long-standing commitment to protecting vulnerable migrant communities across the world.
