UN concerned over communal violence; calls for urgent action

Wednesday, 15 May 2019 03:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The United Nations in Sri Lanka in a statement yesterday said it was concerned about emerging incidents of communal violence and tension in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

The United Nations called on the Government and the security forces to ensure that the situation does not escalate.

“The United Nations welcomes the unequivocal condemnation expressed on many occasions by political, religious and other community leaders towards the hate-mongering and violence carried out by a few. As a country, Sri Lanka remains at a critical juncture where a unified rejection of hate is of paramount importance for sustaining peace,” the statement said.

“The responsibility also lies with each citizen to ensure that they do not spread misinformation that would lead to insecurity or cause violence. Hateful words will cause greater disunity and fuel existing tensions and fears,” it added.

The United Nations in Sri Lanka also called on the security establishment to ensure that interventions, under the State of Emergency are applied in a proportionate and non-discriminatory manner that will respect the rights of all communities and individuals while ensuring their security. The United Nations called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators and inciters of violence to account.

“Now is the time to come together and rebuild trust among communities, and this requires inclusive and unified approach from politicians, the security forces and community leaders. We must all work together to ensure the safety and rights of every Sri Lankan, regardless of ethnicity or religion,” the United Nations in Sri Lanka said.