The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has condemned the threats against Catholics working in north Belfast schools.
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"When representatives of the Commission visited north Belfast at the end of last week they were hopeful that the rioting of recent days was about to cease and that life there would soon return to normal - or as normal as it can be in that area.
"Little did they know that things were about to get worse through the issuing of death threats," said a spokesman.
The sectarian murder of postal worker Daniel McColgan (20), whether connected to the dispute in north Belfast or not, was "absolutely disgusting", he added.
Earlier First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan described the murder as horrific and said it had disgusted all right-thinking people.
"The recent threats made by loyalist paramilitaries against Catholic postal workers and teachers, especially those working in north, should be withdrawn immediately," they said.
In a joint statement they said: "Workers should be able to earn a living free from any form of attack or intimidation.
"Schools should be a haven for children, a place where they can learn and understand more about the importance of tolerance and respect for others".
Attacks on pupils travelling to and from school, which had been witnessed from both loyalists and republican communities, should also cease immediately, they said.
The ministers also called for an end to the recent threats and physical attacks on others providing key services to the community.
Ambulance staff, firefighters, train and bus drivers all provided essential services to every community and must be allowed to continue to do their work in safety and without fear of further attack, they said.
PA