From CNS, Staff and other sources
A Sri Lankan Catholic bishop and 132 Christian clergypersons and religious from different churches in north and east Sri Lanka have written a letter to the U.N. Human Rights Council appealing for an end to the crisis in that country. They charge that thousands of Tamil people, including church leaders, have been killed or “disappeared.” The letter seeks “a strong and action-oriented resolution in relation to accountability, reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka.” It asks the United Nations press Sri Lankan authorities on disappearances, press restrictions, the release of political prisoners and land reparation. “In the last year, those criticizing and challenging the government in peaceful ways, including by engagement with the U.N., have been assaulted, questioned, arrested, threatened, discredited and intimidated by government ministers, officials, military and police,” the Christian leaders say.