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Stop hateful attacks in SL before things escalate: UN

14 May 2019 12:02 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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All parties in Sri Lanka should take appropriate action to immediately stop hateful attacks in order to prevent recent violence from being escalated even further, the UN said on Tuesday.

In a joint statement on Sri Lanka, UN Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng and UN Special Adviser on Responsibility to Protect, Karen Smith, said it was in the interest of all ethnic and religious groups in Sri Lanka, as well as the government, the opposition, civil society and the security sector, to work collaboratively in taking appropriate action and immediately stop these hateful attacks.

“The country is trying to move forward from a traumatic period of inter-ethnic armed conflict, but these attacks are pushing Sri Lanka backwards. If not adequately dealt with, the recent violence has the potential to escalate even further,” they said.

Recalling their recent statements against violent extremism and hate speech, the two advisers said they were alarmed about the growing acts of violence on the basis of religion, including attacks against homes, places of worship and businesses in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka.

The Special Advisers noted a recent spate of attacks against Muslim and Christian communities in Sri Lanka, where the majority are Buddhists. “The recent violence in Sri Lanka has highlighted a growing influence of nationalist and extremist views of identity in the Asia region, putting religious minorities at risk,” they said.

The Special Advisers acknowledged and welcomed the swift response of the government, including deploying security forces to protect affected communities, addressing the spread of false information and incitement to violence.

They also encouraged the government to make sure that these and other past similar attacks are fully investigated and those responsible for instigating or committing these violent acts are brought to justice and made accountable.

They added that the government needs to give the example that it will not tolerate the spread of prejudice and hate among groups within its population.

“This needs to be done at national and local level, by putting an end to local discriminatory practices that perpetuate religious intolerance and violence”.

Mr. Dieng and Ms. Smith also offered their support to work with the government on inter-faith and inter-religious harmony and inclusivity.

The Special Advisers concluded by stating that “Sri Lanka has a pluralistic society. To be a Sri Lankan is to be a Buddhist, to be Hindu, to be a Muslim, to be a Christian. All these communities are entitled to their identity, to freely exercise their religion and to live in peace and security in Sri Lanka, as recognised by the country’s Constitution. We call on all Sri Lankans to respect one another,”


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  Comments - 13

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  • BSLNO Tuesday, 14 May 2019 12:51 PM

    this is the only country which has police and army under curfew and emergency law stand and watch while mobs attack and burn others properties. they only act if minority done something wrong, what kind of law and order is here.

    emacs John Tuesday, 14 May 2019 01:31 PM

    Yes minority done something wrong. Killing 300 innocent people. They did the biggest crime in the decade.

    Ekanayaka Nanda Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:50 PM

    Because government doesn't take impartial decisions. General doesn't have trust. That's why like these critical situation has come up. Without any condition those who involved for eterrorist activities should punished according to the jurisdiction. But unfortunately due to prevailing hate political environment every things are happening. First government should treat eeach citizen equel way. Not special concern paid to any group.

    Sonali Tuesday, 14 May 2019 01:08 PM

    Did they issue a statement when 300 innocent local and tourists people got killed in series of attacks is by ideological Islamist radicals?

    Shaggy Tuesday, 14 May 2019 01:39 PM

    Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where violence takes place during curfew. Just imagine the war crimes committed during the last phase of the war.

    Aj Tuesday, 14 May 2019 01:44 PM

    Get Lost UN

    ANTON Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:08 PM

    UNITED NATIONS OR USELESS NATIONS ???

    Concerned Citizen Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:12 PM

    What guarantee do the tourists have when the Army

    Dee Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:32 PM

    Please make an assessment of your own staff first. Right here.

    Chathurangika Nawarathne Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:37 PM

    You were sleeping while extremist muslim people killed more than 300 people.they had thousands of explosives, swords, army uniforms hidden in their muslim mosques to slaughter sinhala people.but you were sleeping.when something happens to muslim people your ass is hurting. We live in here.we know what is happening. You are in a comfortable room and giving comments on world's most humble people!!! First study about anything before open your mouth..

    Ice Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:43 PM

    Very true Sonali! UN is and has being always one sided! In other words, against us the Sinhalese! UN has never supported us nor ever they would.

    Razmin Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:44 PM

    Only one country in the world that impose curfew to safe guard attackers!

    Lokka Tuesday, 14 May 2019 02:51 PM

    These UN fellows imply that the majority community i. e. the Buddhist are responsible for the violence. They should understand that in minority communities there are fundamentalists, terrorists, who are responsible for these acts of violence. These UN fellows should level their charges against the terrorists, not at the majority community.


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