News September 2007

Jonathan Gallagher at the UN Human Rights Council 2007

UN Debates Defamation of Religion

Geneva, Switzerland… In a number of its September sessions the United Nations Human Rights Council debated the concept of defamation of religion. This comes in the wake of the Danish cartoon controversy in which Muslims took offence at the way in which the prophet Mohammed was portrayed, and the retaliation that followed.

The perspectives shared during the debates highlight areas of great concern for religious freedom, says Seventh-day Adventist Church representative to the UN, Dr. Jonathan Gallagher.

"While incitement to religious hatred is reprehensible, the idea that we can legislate against or ban statements that some find offensive will chill religious debate and stifle religious freedom," says Gallagher. "In our attempts to protect against religious conflict we should not be forced to deny the right to freedom of religious expression. The problem is that one person's objective statement is another's 'blasphemy,' and we face the very real possibility of persecution against religious minorities through the use of such laws. Indeed, in some places, the use of such 'religious offence' or 'blasphemy' laws is already causing suffering and death as a result."

Gallagher spoke with various representatives at the recent UN Human Rights Council urging them to support the "right to dissent." He concluded that the UN should heed the comments of their own special rapporteurs Asma Jahangir and Doudou Diene, who wrote, "the right to freedom of religion or belief, as enshrined in relevant international legal standards, does not include the right to have a religion or belief that is free from criticism or ridicule…. Defamation of religions may offend people and hurt their religious feelings but it does not necessarily or at least directly result in a violation of their rights, including their right to freedom of religion." [PARL News]

Adventist Volunteer Helps Out at the UN

Geneva, Switzerland… Assisting as part of the Adventist church's representation to the United Nations is volunteer Maggie Mwansa, originally from Zambia and now attending the church's college in Collonges, France. Her interest in international affairs led her to offer her services during her stay near Geneva where she has already made a positive impact on delegates to the recent session of the Human Rights Council.[PARL News]

Maggie Mwansa participates in the UN Human Rights Council

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