Amid ‘Hate-Based’ Political Appeals Targeting Minorities, Secretary-General Tells Parliamentarians at Religious Freedom Panel to ‘Set Highest Standards’ for Rights

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations, to the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, in New York today:

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion”.  Despite this universal guarantee, we know this fundamental right is under attack in far too many places around the world.

We have a shared obligation to promote understanding that transcends boundaries and identities based on religion, culture and ethnicity.  Members of Parliament play an important role.

Parliamentarians collectively reflect the will of your national electorates.  You are closer to the people you serve and can give a voice to minorities and other groups that have been disenfranchised or neglected.  Legislation you pass, in compliance with international human rights law, set the front line of protection for the freedom of religion and belief enshrined in Article 18 and other international and regional human rights instruments.

In the face of economic and social pressures, we have seen far too many divisive, hate-based political appeals that target minorities.  Yet, we know that blaming “the other” is not the way to build a healthy country, continent or world.

You, the parliamentarians, must set the highest standards and lead your societies so they can proudly claim that the right of freedom of religion and belief and other fundamental rights are respected.  You have my full support in this vital endeavour.  Thank you.