UN report reveals alarming erosion of religious freedom in Sri Lanka

CAP Liberté de Conscience August 2024

A recent United Nations report has raised concerns about the deteriorating freedom situation in Sri Lanka. The report points to a trend of increasing restrictions and prejudice against religious minorities.

According to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, the reality for religious minorities in Sri Lanka is very different. Through research and on-site investigations, the document reveals human rights violations such as the forced closure of places of worship, violent incidents against religious gatherings and the systematic exclusion of non-Buddhist communities.

Special Rapporteur Amina Jevangee expressed concern about what she described as an attack on the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief in Sri Lanka and criticised the Government for failing to protect its citizens and fulfil its obligation to uphold this freedom.

The report highlights the impact on Muslims and Christians in Sri Lanka, who face intimidation, harassment and discrimination.
Local authorities have sometimes wrongly rejected requests to build or renovate places of worship, thereby limiting the ability of these communities to practice their faith freely.

In addition, UN investigators have documented cases of attacks on religious gatherings, often carried out by extremist Buddhist nationalist groups with apparent support from the security forces. The government's failure to hold these perpetrators to account has emboldened them. The atmosphere of fear and insecurity has worsened.

“The systematic nature of these violations is deeply concerning,” said Ms Jevangee. “It is clear that the Sri Lankan government is not ignoring the decline in freedom, but has in many cases enabled and perhaps even condoned these violations.”

The report also expresses concern about the consequences of this crisis and warns that the exclusion of minorities could further destabilise the already delicate social and political environment in Sri Lanka. The Special Rapporteur called on the Government to take concrete measures to resolve this situation, including amending laws to prosecute perpetrators of attacks and ensuring the protection of all places of worship.
Ms Jevangee stressed the importance of ensuring that all people in Sri Lanka are able to enjoy their rights regardless of their faith or origin. She stressed that the report is a call to the people to criticise the Sri Lankan government for failing to uphold these fundamental values.

In a world where protecting freedom is a pressing issue, the UN's findings in Sri Lanka underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat intolerance and promote harmony among different faiths. The future of minorities in Sri Lanka is uncertain, calling on nations worldwide to speak out against human rights violations without hesitation.