UN Rapporteurs urge Govt. to reconsider rule on cremation of those who die of COVID-19

Tuesday, 14 April 2020 14:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Four special UN Rapporteurs have written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa urging him to reconsider the Sri Lankan government’s decision to make it mandatory for bodies of those who succumb to COVID-19 to be cremated. The letter reiterates the importance of upholding the right of freedom of religion or belief, as well as the rights of minorities during this challenging time.

The letter to the President was jointly addressed by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health Dainius Puras, Special Rapporteur on minority issues Fernand de Varennes, and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Fionnuala Ní Aoláin.

“In view of the challenges posed by the pandemic it is important that the Government avoids any unnecessary measures that are likely to raise tension and are running contrary to the respect of the fundamental human rights of the persons belonging to different communities that exist in Sri Lanka,” stated the letter, adding that arbitrary decisions concerning the disposal of bodies of victims of COVID-19 may also have the opposite effect, so as to provoke reluctance among families and communities in reporting COVID-19 cases over fears that they may be unable to ensure proper funeral or burial rites for their loved ones.

It added that, ideally, such provisions should be revised in consultation with all the concerned ethnic and religious communities and other relevant health experts and stakeholders. The Special Rapporteurs also asked that patients or deceased be identified without highlighting their ethnic or religious backgrounds in public. This, they believe, will greatly help prevent the stigmatisation of individuals or members of a specific community.

“We are taking the opportunity to stress that it is equally important that your Excellency’s Government firmly condemn any attempt by anyone, irrespective of status, to issue or spread hate messages that are of a nature to instigate ethnic or religious tensions or violence, including through accusations or blame that any particular ethnic or religious community is responsible for the pandemic of COVID-19.”