EU Presidency Statement - Elimination of Religious Intolerance

EU Presidency Statement on adoption of resolution on the ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE, by the UK Mission to the UN on behalf of the European Union, UN General Assembly, Third Committee, New York

Mr. Chairperson,

I have the honour, on behalf of the European Union and all our co-sponsors listed on L.54, to present for adoption the draft resolution on the "Elimination of All Forms of Religious Intolerance as contained in A/C.3/60/L54.

In addition to the co-sponsors listed in the L.document, Argentina, Ecuador, Fiji, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Saint Vincent and Greandines, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States of America have also co-sponsored this resolution.

Mr. Chairperson, I would like to draw your attention to the following revisions that have been made to the text, copies of which have been circulated in the room:

1. A New PP5 bis has been added, which reads: "Acknowledging that in order to be effective such a dialogue should be based on respect for the dignity of adherents of religions and beliefs, as well as respect for diversity and universal promotion and protection of human rights,"

2. In PP17, "respect" should be added between "promoting tolerance" and "and freedom of religion and belief", so that the paragraph will read:

"Emphasizing that States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance, respect and freedom of religion and belief,"

3. Furthermore, in OP5 "and other" should be added between "religious" and "communities", so that the paragraph will read:

Recognizes with deep concern the overall rise in instances of intolerance and violence directed against members of many religious and other communities in various parts of the world, including cases motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and Christianophobia;

4. A new OP6bis has been added which reads: "Condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audiovisual, and electronic media or any other means;"

5. And finally, in OP9 (a) the phrase "as well as incitement to hostility and violence," should be added between "based on religion or belief," and "with particular regard", so that the paragraph will read:

"Taking all necessary and appropriate action, in conformity with international standards of human rights, to combat hatred, intolerance and acts of violence, intimidation and coercion motivated by intolerance based on religion or belief, as well as incitement to hostility and violence, with particular regard to religious minorities, and also to devote particular attention to practices that violate the human rights of women and discriminate against women including in the exercise of their right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief;"

Mr. Chairperson,

The draft resolution reminds States of their obligations under the United Nations Charter to encourage universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. Furthermore, the draft resolution urges States to comply fully with the provisions of the Declaration on the Elimination of all forms of Religious Intolerance as well as with the relevant provisions of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

This draft expresses deep concern that serious instances of intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, including acts of violence, intimidation and coercion, continue to occur in many parts of the world. The European Union believes that there is an urgent need for vigilance and action against intolerance and violence against any member of any religious community.

The draft resolution points to the importance of both education and a continued and strengthened dialogue among religions or beliefs in order to promote greater tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.

Mr. Chairperson,

The European Union is grateful to all groups and delegations and for their engagement which has lead to a draft reflecting the concerns of all parties and, which we trust can be adopted by consensus, demonstrating the importance attached by the General Assembly to this issue.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

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