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Introduction
Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Holy See's permanent observer to the
United Nations, to a General Assembly committee. The panel was reflecting on the
"Promotion and Protection of Human Rights: Human Rights Questions, Including
Alternative Approaches for Improving the Effective Enjoyment of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms."
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election and
leadership of this Committee and thank the Special Rapporteur on freedom of
religion or belief for her report on the elimination of all forms of religious
intolerance.
Three of the themes considered during her June 2006 visit to the Vatican merit
particular attention, namely, the coexistence of different religions and
religious communities, the propagation of religion, including the sensitive
issue of proselytism, and the relationship between freedom of expression and
religion. My delegation shares the Special Rapporteur's position that the need
for interreligious dialogue at all levels is of crucial importance not only for
resolving disputes, but also for fostering peaceful coexistence that enables all
religions to live side by side and in mutual respect.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the 1981 Declaration on
the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on
Religion or Belief, my delegation is seriously concerned that freedom of
religion or belief does not exist for individuals and communities, especially
among religious minorities, in many parts of the world. We are also concerned
that the high level of religious intolerance in some countries is leading to an
alarming degree of polarization and discrimination. We share a grave duty to
work together to reverse this trend.
While religious tolerance is sometimes characterized as accepting or permitting
those religious beliefs and practices which disagree with one's own, the time
has come to move beyond this type of religious tolerance, and to apply instead
the principles of authentic religious freedom.
Religious freedom is the right to believe, worship, propose and witness to one's
faith. It grants the opportunity and creates the occasions for people to profess
freely the tenets of their faith. Furthermore, it includes the right to change
one's religion and to associate freely with others in order to express one's
religious convictions. Religious tolerance is simply a starting point, a basis
for universal religious freedom and there cannot be full religious tolerance
without an effective recognition of religious freedom.
We know well that, historically, tolerance has been a contentious issue among
believers of different faiths. However, we have come to a turning point in
history which demands more of us, including a commitment to interreligious
dialogue. At the same time, my delegation is increasingly convinced of the
indispensable importance of reciprocity, which, by its very nature, is apt to
ensure the free exercise of religion in all societies.
The Holy See continues to be concerned by a number of situations where the
existence of enacted or proposed legislative and administrative measures for
placing limits on the practice, observance or propagation of religion are a
reality. Likewise, the Holy See is concerned with those situations where
religion or freedom of religion is used as a pretext or a justification for
violating other human rights.
Furthermore, there appears to exist a recurring case of intolerance when group
interests or power struggles seek to prevent religious communities from
enlightening consciences and thus enabling them to act freely and responsibly,
according to the true demands of justice. Likewise, it would be intolerant to
denigrate religious communities and exclude them from public debate and
cooperation just because they do not agree with options nor conform to practices
that are contrary to human dignity.
National and global decision making, legal and political systems, and all people
of good will must cooperate to ensure that diverse religious expressions are not
restricted or silenced. Every individual and group must be free from coercion
and no one should be forced to act in a manner contrary to his or her beliefs,
whether in private or public, whether alone or in association with others. It is
important here to pay particular attention to the needs of the weakest groups,
including women, children, refugees, religious minorities and persons deprived
of their liberty. The disturbing signs of religious intolerance, which have
troubled some regions and nations, at times affecting even majority religious
groups, are much to be regretted.
Part of the founding ethos of the U.N. is the right to freedom of thought,
conscience and religion. Therefore, it is this Assembly's duty to continue to
provide the leadership that ensures and protects these fundamental rights and
fosters full religious freedom in every land.
In our diverse and ever-changing world, religion is more than an internal matter
of thought and conscience. It has the potential to bind us together as equal and
valuable members of the human family. We cannot overlook the role that religion
plays in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick and visiting
the imprisoned.
Nor should we underestimate its power, especially in the midst of conflict and
division, to turn our minds to thoughts of peace, to enable enemies to speak to
one another, to foster those who were estranged to join hands in friendship, and
have nations seek the way to peace together. Religion is a vital force for good,
for harmony and for peace among all peoples, especially in troubled times.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
[Original text in English; adapted]
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