Minorities warn Muslim nations ahead of crucial UNHRC vote

The warning comes as the UN’s top rights body prepares to vote Tuesday on a draft resolution expressing “serious concern” over the “deteriorating” human rights situation in the country. Under the caption “Sri Lanka minorities warn Muslim nations ahead of UNHRC vote” ALJAZEERA news states “Sri Lanka’s government has faced a slew of criticism from rights groups and regional governments over alleged discrimination against its minority Muslim population. Of the 47 states set to take part in the vote in Geneva, several have Muslim-majority populations, including Pakistan and Bangladesh. In particular, Sri Lanka’s decision last year to mandate that all victims of COVID-19 should be cremated sparked a backlash, with international human rights groups and UN rights experts condemning the move. Muslim groups protested against the decision, which they say prevented them from following the burial traditions of their Islamic faith. Muslims make up about 10 percent of Sri Lanka’s population. In February, the government ruled that the bodies of those who died from COVID-19 could be buried.” (courtesy ALJAZEERZ)