Canadian Activists Urge Minority Protection, Democracy and Human Rights in Sri Lanka |
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May 10th, 2022
Sri Lanka’s minorities must be protected as the country faces an unprecedented collapse of the economy. Justice For All Canada is deeply concerned by the escalating violence after government supporters attacked peaceful protesters in Colombo on May 9th 2022, including troubling reports of mob violence.
The Rajapaksa regime is responsible for targeting Muslim and Tamil minority communities through discriminatory laws, harassment of activists, and undermining of democratic institutions in recent years. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government has failed to deliver promised accountability for past grave war crimes and human rights violations.
“This is the right time for Sri Lankan authorities to address socio-economic grievances, especially those faced by minority and marginalized groups. Canadian activists call on Sri Lankan powerholders to consider political and systemic root causes of discrimination and breakdown of human rights,” said Executive Director Taha Ghayyur.
Sri Lanka’s economic issues have made it challenging for most Sri Lankans to obtain basic necessities. The crisis has highlighted daily challenges requiring serious national dialogue and structural reform. According to the UN, the recent events have brought together diverse Sri Lankans from various religions and ethnicities urging democratic participation, transparency and accountability from the government.
Authorities must immediately halt ongoing violence and address public concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis. Several Sri Lankans were killed in the incidents, including arson and property destruction taking place.
Sri Lankan authorities and military personnel supporting security forces must also use restraint and ensure their policing aligns with international human rights laws. Most importantly, dissent and peaceful demonstrations must not be stifled.
Sri Lanka’s minorities must be protected as the country faces an unprecedented collapse of the economy. Justice For All Canada is deeply concerned by the escalating violence after government supporters attacked peaceful protesters in Colombo on May 9th 2022, including troubling reports of mob violence.
The Rajapaksa regime is responsible for targeting Muslim and Tamil minority communities through discriminatory laws, harassment of activists, and undermining of democratic institutions in recent years. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government has failed to deliver promised accountability for past grave war crimes and human rights violations.
“This is the right time for Sri Lankan authorities to address socio-economic grievances, especially those faced by minority and marginalized groups. Canadian activists call on Sri Lankan powerholders to consider political and systemic root causes of discrimination and breakdown of human rights,” said Executive Director Taha Ghayyur.
Sri Lanka’s economic issues have made it challenging for most Sri Lankans to obtain basic necessities. The crisis has highlighted daily challenges requiring serious national dialogue and structural reform. According to the UN, the recent events have brought together diverse Sri Lankans from various religions and ethnicities urging democratic participation, transparency and accountability from the government.
Authorities must immediately halt ongoing violence and address public concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis. Several Sri Lankans were killed in the incidents, including arson and property destruction taking place.
Sri Lankan authorities and military personnel supporting security forces must also use restraint and ensure their policing aligns with international human rights laws. Most importantly, dissent and peaceful demonstrations must not be stifled.