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New York UN

STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR AT THE COMMEMORATIVE EVENT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS IN SRI LANKA, 3 MAY 2019, 10.00AM

3 May 2019

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Mr President


Ambassador Rohan Perera


1 Singapore joins other countries in condemning the heinous terrorist attacks carried out in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday on 21 April 2019 that killed so many innocent civilians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. 


2 Like Sri Lanka, Singapore is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society. We believe deeply in the importance of mutual respect, mutual understanding and tolerance towards people of different religions and ethnic groups. We also believe that a place of worship is sacred and sacrosanct, and they must be respected and protected. Any attack on a place of worship, be it a church, mosque, temple or synagogue, must be condemned in the strongest terms. An attack on a place of worship is an attack on all civilised society and the values and principles of multi-culturalism. 


3 The vicious terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka underlines the painful reality that terrorism is a global phenomenon. There is a need for greater global cooperation to prevent terrorist attacks. Here at the United Nations, we have a special responsibility to work together and identify global norms and rules that will allow us to fight the scourge of terrorism. 


4 Another collective learning point that we must take from the tragic attacks in Sri Lanka is that we must all do more to promote intercultural and interfaith understanding, and build tolerant and cohesive societies. The United Nations has an important role to play in fighting hate speech, and promoting respect for cultural and religious differences.


5 Let me conclude by saying that Singapore stands in solidarity with the people and government of Sri Lanka during this challenging moment in their history. We also stand ready to work with all countries to fight the scourge of global terrorism. Thank you. 

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