““This violence is fuelled by the atmosphere of impunity in Sri Lanka,” the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, said.
“Impunity and inadequate response from the police and judicial authorities aimed at protecting the lives, physical security, the property and places of worship of these communities may encourage further attacks and a risk of spiralling violence,” he added.
The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns, demanded that Sri Lankan authorities “to take urgent and firm measures to bring the perpetrators of killings to justice, and ensure the immediate adoption of robust protective measures.”
“Showing determination to ensure accountability in such cases must be a key element of the Government’s efforts to prevent the attacks and guarantee the safety of the members of religious minority communities” Mr. Heyns added.
The Special Rapporteur on minority issues, called for concrete action, including “protective measures to ensure the personal security of all individuals belonging to religious minority communitities living in the country.”
“The full range of rights of religious minorities must be guaranteed in law and protected in practice,” added Rita Izxak.
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