Statement of Concern

 

of the Sixth World Congress

of the

International Religious Liberty Association

on

“Combating religious hatred through freedom to believe”

 

Cape Town, South Africa, February 27 – March 1, 2007

 

 

            Following the Resolutions adopted in Cape Town, the Sixth World Congress expresses its profound concern that in spite of some progress being made around the world in implementing freedom of religion or belief, there continue to be flagrant violations of this fundamental right. Specific areas of concern are highlighted in this statement.

             

            Since the previous World Congress held in Manila, the Philippines, in 2002, progress towards better religious freedom has been made, particularly in some parts of South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. The present Congress is appreciative of such developments and commends all those involved in progressing these fundamental human rights. However many other areas have seen no such improvement, or have even become worse.

 

  1. This Congress deplores the fact that there is no religious freedom in countries such as Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Libya, and the Maldives. That this should still be true in this new millennium is cause for great concern, and an outrage against fundamental human rights. Congress also raises major concerns over the religious freedom situation in Sudan, Burma, Vietnam, China, Iran, Bangladesh, and Pakistan; and Sunni-Shia violence in Iraq.  Consequently this Congress urges governments, institutions of civil society, and individuals to address these grave situations that threaten peace, justice, and security.

 

  1. The IRLA acknowledges tangible improvements in Turkmenistan. Congress is aware of the recent change of leadership in the country, and urges the new president to take immediate steps to continue the process of reform and thereby end completely any persecution, marginalization and discrimination against any person or entity based on their religious beliefs.

 

  1. The passage of discriminatory religious laws in such countries as Belarus and Serbia that deny equal rights to different religious groups is an alarming development and is to be condemned. The idea of first and second class citizens based on their religious beliefs is unacceptable, and this Congress calls for the immediate repeal of such laws.

 

  1. As expressed by the Manila Congress, this Congress remains troubled by the ongoing situation in Indonesia, with reports of continuing violence between the Christian and Muslim communities. The Congress deplores the death of many thousands of people and the creation of many hundreds of thousands of refugees by this religious conflict. It supports the actions of Indonesian authorities and non-governmental organizations to end the violence and to promote reconciliation to develop a culture of peace and harmony among the different religious communities.

 

  1. The closure of churches by the authorities in Eritrea has not been rescinded, despite many appeals and protests. That houses of worship should be closed by governmental decree is an alarming abuse of power, and a clear violation of international standards of religious freedom. This Congress calls on the government to immediately rescind its closure order and allow churches to open and operate freely in the country.

 

  1. The Congress expresses its satisfaction that the new situation in Nepal where people are exercising their right to choose their religious beliefs, but notes with concern that the interim constitution of Nepal does not guarantee the right to change one’s religion. The Congress urges the new Assembly that will be constituted to ensure that this fundamental right is enshrine in the new constitution of Nepal.

 

  1. The scheduling of elections and/or examinations on religious days of rest in many countries, including but not limited to France, Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, Uganda, Lesotho, and South Africa is illustrative of secularism or religious prejudice that impacts believers of different faiths who do not observe the same day of worship as the majority in the country. This leads to the disenfranchising of significant numbers of voters and the denial of educational progress for many school and university students. This Congress urges all governments to schedule elections and examinations on week workdays, avoiding days of rest and worship.

 

            The participants in the Congress express their sympathy, compassion, and solidarity with the victims of religious discrimination, intolerance and persecution, such as those mentioned above. The Congress reaffirms the International Religious Liberty Association’s commitment to cooperate with the foregoing governments in finding solutions to these lamentable problems.