General
UN labels Sri Lanka cremation of COVID-19 dead, including Muslims, a human rights violation
The United Nations has condemned the Sri Lankan Government’s policy of forced cremation of deceased COVID-19 patients, especially in the case of Muslims and other minorities in the country, as it goes against their religious beliefs.
Key points:
- More than 280 people have died of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, with the majority being Muslims
- Muslims traditionally bury the dead, as cremation is prohibited
- The WHO said there is no evidence to suggest that cremation prevents the spread of the disease
UN human rights experts said the practice could foment existing prejudices, intolerance and violence.
“The imposition of cremation as the only option for handling the bodies confirmed or suspected of COVID-19 amounts to a human rights violation,” they said…
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