Select a year:

12th April 2005
'Becket Fund, the International Religious Freedom Organisation based in the USA, who Ps. Danny introduced to assist the Christian church in Sri Lanka, play a major role'

Special report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL)

NCEASL makes representations to United Nations Commission on Human Rights

The NCEASL, through the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) made representations to the UN Human Rights Commission on the deterioration of religious freedom in Sri Lanka through proposed anti-conversion legislation.

On the 5th of April 2005, at a Parallel Session of the UN Human Rights Commission, Mr. Godfrey Yogarajah General Secretary of NCEASL made a presentation condemning acts of violence against the Christian minority and explaining the dangerous implications of two proposed anti-conversion Bills. Mr. Yogarajah answering questions from various delegates stressed that Draconian legislation will result in legitimized persecution and harassment of minority religious groups.

The Sri Lanka Government Delegation which previously denied that there were attempts to introduce anti-conversion legislation retracted their previous statement to the UN Human Rights Commission during the Main Session on the 31st of March 2005. (the International Human Rights Organization Becket Fund made Oral Intervention to the Human Rights Commission against the proposed laws, as faith based relief organizations will face harassment under this law. The Sri Lanka government delegation denied this claim.

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) which has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, also presented a statement on Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Commission Plenary Session.

UN Special Rapporteur to visit Sri Lanka

Mr. Yogarajah met with the UN Special Rapporteur for Religious Freedom Ms.

Asma Jahangir and made strong representations on this issue. He also invited Ms. Jahangir to Sri Lanka.

Ms. Jahangir will be making an official visit to Sri Lanka in May and will meet with government officials and leaders of the different religious communities.

Special Report issued by the advocacy Desk NCEASL 12th April 2005