By Holy See Mission
Statement byH.E.
Archbishop Celestino MigliorePermanent Observer of the Holy See to the U.N.Before the third committee of the General Assemblyon
Agenda Item 117 (b): Human
Rights Questions,Including Alternative Approaches for Improving the Effective Enjoymentof
Human Rights and Fundamental FreedomsNew York, 14
November 2003Mr. Chairman,
The universality
of human rights springs from the unquestionable truth that all human
beings are
equal in nature and in dignity. It is for this reason, the Holy See has
consistently defended and promoted respect for human rights and
fundamental
freedoms for all peoples. These rights and freedoms are not contingent
upon the
State or upon its recognition of any particular right. Rather, they are
intrinsic to human nature itself and to what is essential to this
nature.
Among the
fundamental freedoms of every human being is the freedom of religion.
This
freedom lies at the foundation of the edifice of human rights because it
affects
the primordial relationship of the human being with the Creator.
A right social
order requires that all, as individuals and community, should be able to
profess
their religious faith and conviction with full respect for others.
Countless
examples in our modern times show and confirm for us that when religious
faith
is freely chosen and lived in a coherent way, religions play an
essential role
in ensuring security and in promoting peaceful coexistence of peoples, a
condition for any effective conflict prevention and a powerful tool for
the
building of a lasting peace.
Religious freedom
also contributes decisively to develop citizens who are genuinely free
and helps
them fulfill their duties with greater responsibility. The exercise of
religious
freedom generally
cultivates a sense of the other thereby enabling the individual who
professes
the faith to live with the neighbor in a right relation characterized by
an
objective rather than subjective standard. It is also an important means
of
strengthening a people's moral integrity. Civil society can count on
believers
who, because of their deep religious convictions, will not succumb
readily to
dominating ideologies or trends but will endeavor to act in accordance
with
their inner aspirations to all that is true and right, an essential
condition
for securing peace.
The Special
Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on Freedom of Religion or
Belief
has often reminded authorities in various countries of the laws and
administrative practices that continue to limit or violate the rights of
individual believers or religious groups formally recognized by their
Constitutions. In his latest report, he expresses apprehension about a
new
upsurge in administrative regulations on freedom of religion, referring
in
particular to the compulsory discriminatory registration of religious
groups and
the imposition of specific regulations in certain countries in order to
curtail,
in violation of the international standards, the right to religious
freedom.
In some
countries, manifestations of religious intolerance still exist, such as,
serious
prohibitions to religious instruction of children and young people;
restrictions
in the concession of visas to religious personnel; lack of freedom in
the use of
mass media and other means of social communication for religious
purposes;
denial of permits to build new places of worship; hate propaganda;
misleading
statements at times even by public authorities against other religions;
destruction and irreparable damage of holy sites; religious “apartheid”
in
certain professional activities; prohibition to conduct public worship;
violence
against religious minorities, including killings of religious leaders
and
pilgrims. It is regrettable that certain national legislations deprive
their
citizens of the freedom to change their religion, even when they decide
to do so
after having honestly, freely and responsibly sought the truth,
according to the
dictates of their conscience. These and other subtle forms of religious
intolerance and discrimination cause suffering and hardship for millions
of
believers.
Every violation
of religious freedom, whether overt or concealed, does fundamental
damage to the
cause of peace. This year, as we observe the fifty-fifth anniversary of
the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let us not forget that
people
are being victimized for their religious convictions in various parts of
the
world. In this regard, my delegation shares the view that dialogue and
cooperation with religions can contribute to the efforts of the United
Nations
and other international, regional and national organizations in
achieving peace,
harmony and understanding around the world.
The wholesome
implementation of religious freedom can help strengthen international
peace and
ensure the common good of each nation, of each society. For when
individuals
know that their fundamental rights are protected, they are better
disposed to
work for the common welfare. Therefore, the Holy See firmly hopes that
the
international community will continue to safeguard the freedom of
individuals
and of communities to profess and practise their religion, also as an
essential
tool that fosters peaceful human coexistence and enhances social harmony
and
universal brotherhood among nations and peoples.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
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