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Freedom of Religion Centerstage at UN Commemoration

L to R: Ambassador Lamani and Dr. Gallagher

New York, NY, USA… The vital importance of freedom of religion was re-emphasized at the United Nations in New York as ambassadors, diplomats and leaders of non-governmental organizations met to commemorate a major UN declaration.

“Religious freedom is the cornerstone of universal human rights,” said David Young, executive director for the US State Department Office of International Religious Freedom and one of the speakers for the event. “It’s important for all people around the world to practice their faith freely without harassment or persecution from any government or civil society group.”

Commemorating the 22nd Anniversary of the adoption of the 1981 UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, the UN NGO (nongovernmental) Committee on Religion or Belief organized the November 20, 2003 meeting on the theme, “Partners for Progress on Freedom of Religion or Belief.” “If we listen to each other, it can only benefit all,” said Antonios Kireopoulos, president of the Committee, in his opening remarks to the attendees, adding that “we can raise issues more dramatically than in the past.”

L to R: Mr. Kireopoulos (president of the Committee), Mr. Gogineni, and Mr. Young (presenters).

Presenter Babu Gogineni, executive director for the International Humanist and Ethical Union, said that tension is created when people are alienated. Emphasizing the importance of separation of church and state, Gogineni added that, “freedom not to have a religion or belief is as vital as the freedom to have one. Democratic societies can recognize and value the dignity of each of us and all of us.”

Reacting, Ambassador Philippe Djangoné-Bi, permanent representative of Cote d’Ivoire, commented that “it’s very important not to mix politics and religion.” Referring to his country’s current troubles, the Ambassador regretted the lack of religious freedom exhibited by some, adding that “we are strong supporters of the 1981 Declaration” that promotes religious tolerance. On the world scene, “religious freedom is not getting better,” he said, “and we have chaos in some places because of religious beliefs.”

Ambassador Mokhtar Lamani, UN Representative of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Organization of Islamic Conference, spoke on behalf of many Islamic nations. “We live in a difficult world, but there are some positive initiatives,” he observed referencing as one example an initiative that brought together European religious leaders.

As a Moslem, he said that he questioned “the interpretation of some fundamentalist groups,” adding that he found their views “very exclusive.”

“The way to eradicate and to fight against extremists is through education and by developing a culture of respect,” Ambassador Lamani concluded.

“This event serves to remind us of the vital importance of religious freedom, and the need to deal with issues of discrimination and intolerance,” commented Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, UN liaison director for the Adventist Church who serves as one of the bureau officers for the Committee. “Adventists contributed to formulating the 1981 Declaration and are committed to its implementation as one method of ensuring freedom of conscience and worship for all people.”

The UN NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief operates in NY as a recognized committee of the UN Council of NGOs in Consultation with ECOSOC. It is the primary NGO committee voice on matters of freedom of conscience, violations of freedom of religion or belief, and the importance of maintaining this fundamental human rights. It holds monthly meetings, generally from September to May, and acts to support the work of the UN in areas of freedom of religion or belief. [Viola Hughes with Jared Johnson]

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