The UK on Thursday urged the Sri Lanka government to take action to hold those responsible for anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka to account.
"We share concerns about recent inter-communal violence in Sri Lanka. We support the government's determination to end it swiftly, using measures that are proportionate and respect human rights, and urge it to hold the perpetrators to account," the UK's representative to the UN Human Rights Council said in a statement to the Council at an Item 2 debate during the 37th session.
Sinhala mobs attacked Muslim shops, homes and mosques in villages by Kandy this week.
The government responded by calling a state of emergency and prohibiting internet use and access to social media. However, attacks against Muslim buildings and property continue to be reported, prompting international criticism of the government's failure to take meaningful action to stop the violence and ensure perpetrators face justice.
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