QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Human Rights in Sri Lanka--Cremation Policy
February 9, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Senator Gold, the government of Sri Lanka has introduced mandatory cremations since March 2020 for the victims of COVID-19. This has caused outrage and fury among Muslim and Christian groups in Sri Lanka who are aghast at their traditional funeral rites and practices being disregarded. This is a policy that has no basis in science. In fact, World Health Organization guidelines clearly permit both burials and cremations for COVID-19 deaths.
What steps is our government taking to persuade the government of Sri Lanka to end these forced cremations?
Thank you for your question, senator. I will make inquiries, and I would be pleased to report to the chamber as quickly as I receive the answers.
Perhaps I might add to that, leader. The United Nations Human Rights Council meets next month, and this might be an opportune forum for Canada to raise this crucial issue with respect to the abridging of human rights of citizens in Sri Lanka. Thank you, leader.
Thank you for that suggestion. I certainly will pass it on to the relevant and responsible minister.
