EU Presidency Statement - Human rights questions

Introduction to the Draft Resolution on the " Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance" (A/C3/59/L59)

Mr. Chairperson,

I have the honour, on behalf of the European Union and all our co-sponsors listed on L59, to introduce the draft resolution on the "Elimination of All Forms of Religious Intolerance" as contained in A/C.3/59/L59. In addition to the co-sponsors listed in the L-document, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Nicaragua, Switzerland and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have decided to sponsor the resolution.

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. Operative paragraph 9 does not exclude any religion or belief. We believe that this paragraph gives the Special Rapporteur useful and timely guidance for her work.

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. In this regard, we wish to pay tribute to the ongoing efforts of human rights defenders and NGOs.

We further encourage the newly appointed Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Ms. Asma Jahangir, in her important work and urge all Governments to cooperate fully with her and to respond favourably to her requests to visit their countries.

We also wish pay tribute to her predecessor, Mr. Abdelfattah Amor, and warmly thank him for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of freedom of religion and the elimination of religious intolerance.

Mr. Chairperson,

My delegation, in introducing this draft resolution on the elimination of all forms of intolerance based on religion or belief, hopes that as in previous years, it will be adopted by consensus.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

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