The official opposition party of Canada has issued a statement, condemning the recent violence in Sri Lanka.
The complete statement is as follows : NDP condemns attacks on Muslims in Sri Lanka
The NDP strongly condemns recent violence against the Muslim community in Sri Lanka, which has killed several people and injured dozens more.
“My thoughts are with the victims of this disturbing, brutal and unacceptable violence,” said NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “All Sri Lankans must be able to exercise their freedom of belief, speech and association without fear of violence or intimidation.”
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Council have expressed serious concern over the growing number of attacks against religious minorities in Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka has promised to take steps to ensure that inciters of hatred and violence are held accountable, but these measures have not been adopted.
“Sadly, the Government of Sri Lanka has failed to act to protect religious minorities—just as it broke its promise to investigate alleged war crimes committed during the Sri Lankan civil war,” added Dewar. “The Government of Canada must urge Sri Lankan authorities to act responsibly and appropriately in stopping these attacks, bringing perpetrators to justice, and protecting minority groups in Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka must also reverse its unwarranted ban on peaceful international civil society groups.”