EU Presidency Statement - Explanation of Vote: Combating defamation of Religions

EU Presidency Explanation of vote on COMBATING DEFAMATION OF RELIGIONS, 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 to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The European Union believes fundamentally in the principles of tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of thought, conscience and expression, and freedom of religion or belief. Religious intolerance, in all its many forms and manifestations, is a matter of grave concern to the European Union member states.

Mr. Chairperson,

In previous years, the European Union has expressed its concerns in the Commission on Human Rights regarding the general approach, conceptual framework and terminology of this draft resolution. We believe that a broader, more balanced text, firmly based on the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and the right to freedom of expression, would be necessary to address these issues. Therefore we remain to have the following fundamental difficulties with this draft resolution.

First of all, discrimination based on religion or belief, which is a serious violation of human rights, has to be addressed in all its aspects. It should be recognized that it is not confined to any one religion or belief, nor is it confined to any one part of the world.

Further, we are fully committed to take all appropriate measures to promote tolerance and eliminate discrimination based on religion or belief. At the same time it must be ensured that all human rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience, expression and religion, are respected and protected at equal level.

The European Union continues to be of the view that promoting respect for all religions or beliefs is best addressed in a comprehensive manner, as is reflected in other resolutions under this agenda item. As the general thrust of this draft resolution remains unchanged from previous years, the European Union will call for a vote on document L.29 and will vote against it.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

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• EU Presidency Statement - Elimination of Religious Intolerance (18/11/2005)