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Dismayed by reports of Muslims being targeted by stigma; says UN HR Chief

1 July 2020 12:24 pm - 11     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said she was dismayed by the reports of Muslims being targeted by stigma and hate speech associating them with COVID-19 in India and Sri Lanka.

 “I am dismayed by reports indicating that in many countries, members of minority communities and migrants face increasing stigmatisation, including in some cases, by officials. In Sri Lanka and India, members of the Muslim minority are being targeted by stigma and hate speech associating them with COVID-19,”Bachelet who was speaking on the 44th session of the Human Rights Council said on Tuesday.

The statement also notes that the stigmatisation and hate crimes against minorities and people infected with coronavirus in countries like Pakistan, Bulgaria, Haiti and Iraq.

The session focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on human rights situations across the globe. She said amidst the pandemic the challenges to ensure states uphold human rights “are rising sharply today”.  “It is clear that this epidemic threatens both peace and development – and that it calls for more civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, not less,” she said.

The present situation, she stressed, “urgently calls for leadership grounded in clarity, evidence and principle to protect the most vulnerable members of society, and to address the profound inequalities that are accelerating the pandemic’s incidence and impact.”

Bachlet further said human rights should be at the heart of response to the pandemic.


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  Comments - 11

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  • dickie bird Wednesday, 01 July 2020 03:33 PM

    it is the Blacks in America targetted by stigma. Michelle Bachalete, are you deaf

    GHarry Wednesday, 01 July 2020 04:15 PM

    You are absolutely wrong in your statement on Sri Lanka, where Moslems are living very safely after His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Hon'ble Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office as leaders for all community to lead the country in a right direction. But we were in trouble when previous regime was in power i.e. Maithri and Ranil Wickremasinghe who has been the thread puller for all issues where minorities were targeted.

    charith seneviratne Wednesday, 01 July 2020 04:39 PM

    Isn't the UNHCR dismayed and saddened by the easter sunday attacks by muslims ???

    Ralaharamy Wednesday, 01 July 2020 04:58 PM

    "Leadership grounded in clarity." You are wandering in the clouds, way out of track Madame. Please come back to the real earth.

    Sashi Wednesday, 01 July 2020 05:35 PM

    And stigmatised minorities in US by President Trump himself; including calling Mexicans rapists and drug peddlers

    ChanakaJ Wednesday, 01 July 2020 05:36 PM

    This is Sri Lanka! Don't confuse us with India!

    ari Wednesday, 01 July 2020 06:47 PM

    This woman thrives on interfering and creating issues for poor countries and pinching them on every occasion like a beggars wound for her supper from rich countries.

    S perera Wednesday, 01 July 2020 08:07 PM

    What is the stigma she is referring to ?In fact seversl muslims were found turning a deaf year to regulations on preventing the spread of covid- 19 including gathering for prayers and concealing where they had been. All those who were infected with the virus and those who were quarantined were treated equally irrespective of their race / religon. Charity begins at home so better treat the minorities in the USA equally before fingers are.pointed at others.

    Bimal Kulasekera Wednesday, 01 July 2020 11:59 PM

    It so happened to be that most Covid 19 patients were from these communities due to congested living conditions, lack of respect to safety rules, continuing to go to crowded worship places. But they were not targeted in Sri Lanka. May be in India due to nationalist government in power.

    Rhonda Taylor Thursday, 02 July 2020 09:23 AM

    Have you forgotten that it was the Muslims that attacked the Christians and killed many with their suicide bombs. Please don't try to cover their faults. They are upto to all the nefarious activities in all countries and cover themselves with their religious attire.

    MN Thursday, 02 July 2020 09:38 PM

    For your information Bachelet, these suicide bombers are belong to a islam group,who believes,all non believers of Islam must be killed ,they were guided by that vicious concept , there is no stigma ,if say,90% non muslim population of the country, now live in fear and doubt, after this attack


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