DISCORSO PRONUNCIATO DALL’AMBASCIATORE SEBASTIANO CARDI, RAPPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DELL’ITALIA PRESSO LE NAZIONI UNITE, PER CONTO DELL’UNIONE EUROPEA ALL’INTRODUZIONE DEL PROGETTO DI RISOLUZIONE L. 40 SU “FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR BELIEF” (11 novembre 2014)  

Thank you Mr. President

I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the European Union and co-sponsors, the draft resolution L.40, entitled “Freedom of religion or belief”.  Since the tabling of the draft last Friday, the following countries have joined the list of co-sponsors: the Republic of Moldova, the Republic of Korea, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador [- to be completed]

Mr President,

Defending freedom of religion or belief as a universal human right and countering intolerance and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief are essential priorities of the European Union’s human rights policy. The promotion of religious tolerance, respect for diversity and mutual understanding are of utmost importance with a view to creating an environment conducive to the full enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief by all. The EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief send a clear signal on the importance given to this human right everywhere, and for everyone. The resolution we are introducing today is in line with our longstanding commitment which has been confirmed at the highest political level.

From the very outset, this resolution has been a follow-up action to the UN Declaration on the elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief. We believe that further intensified efforts are needed and urge all States to step up their efforts, including by implementing universal periodic review recommendations related to freedom of religion or belief.

Resolution L.40 reaffirms the importance of freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief: not only in the international human rights system, but notably in the life of every individual. It stresses that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief applies equally to all persons, and it strongly condemns all forms of intolerance, discrimination and violence based on religion or belief. Moreover, this resolution draws attention to the human rights of persons belonging to religious minorities and religious communities, particularly their right to exercise their religion or belief freely. Furthermore, the resolution stresses that the freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief also includes the right not to believe and to change one’s belief. It also stresses the importance of unhindered participation in the media and in public discourse for all.

Our resolution also expresses support to the vital contribution of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief who, in his most recent interim report focusses on the challenges surrounding religious intolerance and discrimination in the workplace.

The European Union believes that the adoption of this resolution by consensus will send a strong collective message to the world. We are engaging with all delegations in a constructive spirit with confidence that the resolution will – as in previous years – be adopted by consensus.

Thank you.