Jan Figel, the first special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU, has voiced concern at the “genocide” of Christian, Yezidi, Shia Muslim and other communities in the Middle East.
Figel, formerly European education, training and culture Commissioner, said that the “killings of innocent people” required an “urgent reaction” by the international community, including the EU.
In an interview, Figel said, “The problem of systematic murder against ethnic or religious groups is a much greater security threat than climate change.”
Speaking to the Forum for Religious Freedom Europe (FOREF Europe), he said, “My first regional priority is the Middle East, where we currently witness the genocide of the Christian, Yezidi, Shia Muslim and other communities.
“I want to invite more parliaments and governments to speak against this ongoing genocide. Never again must mean never again.”
Figel, who previously served as Slovakia’s deputy Prime Minister, added, “The ongoing online presentations of the killings of innocent people requires an urgent reaction by the international community. The international community has to tackle this situation more actively and on all levels.”
He asked, “When should we apply international law against genocide and show the will to prosecute perpetrators if not now?”
Figel added, “We need to support the liberation of territories from Isis and in the long run prepare conditions for post-liberation stability and recovery. But what is now most urgently needed is humanitarian aid.
“Other important tasks concern the field of education and the prevention of radicalisation, in particular among young people.”
Figel, who was appointed to the role in May by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said, “In the most affected areas, such as the Kurdistan region, we have to do everything we can to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to all civilians and offer protection to all ethnic and religious communities.
“According to UN estimates, the ongoing offensive to liberate Mosul and the Nineveh plains could result in 300,000 and up to 1.5 million refugees. We should be prepared for this situation, which could easily turn into a major humanitarian crisis.”
Figel said that the issue of religious freedom is rooted in both moral values and human rights, adding, “A free society can only be achieved and sustained on the basis of shared moral values.” More theparliamentmagazine.eu
Jan Figel, the first special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU, has voiced concern at the “genocide” of Christian, Yezidi, Shia Muslim and other communities in the Middle East.
Figel, formerly European education, training and culture Commissioner, said that the “killings of innocent people” required an “urgent reaction” by the international community, including the EU.
In an interview, Figel said, “The problem of systematic murder against ethnic or religious groups is a much greater security threat than climate change.”
Speaking to the Forum for Religious Freedom Europe (FOREF Europe), he said, “My first regional priority is the Middle East, where we currently witness the genocide of the Christian, Yezidi, Shia Muslim and other communities.
“I want to invite more parliaments and governments to speak against this ongoing genocide. Never again must mean never again.”
Figel, who previously served as Slovakia’s deputy Prime Minister, added, “The ongoing online presentations of the killings of innocent people requires an urgent reaction by the international community. The international community has to tackle this situation more actively and on all levels.”
He asked, “When should we apply international law against genocide and show the will to prosecute perpetrators if not now?”
Figel added, “We need to support the liberation of territories from Isis and in the long run prepare conditions for post-liberation stability and recovery. But what is now most urgently needed is humanitarian aid.
“Other important tasks concern the field of education and the prevention of radicalisation, in particular among young people.”
Figel, who was appointed to the role in May by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said, “In the most affected areas, such as the Kurdistan region, we have to do everything we can to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to all civilians and offer protection to all ethnic and religious communities.
“According to UN estimates, the ongoing offensive to liberate Mosul and the Nineveh plains could result in 300,000 and up to 1.5 million refugees. We should be prepared for this situation, which could easily turn into a major humanitarian crisis.”
Figel said that the issue of religious freedom is rooted in both moral values and human rights, adding, “A free society can only be achieved and sustained on the basis of shared moral values.”
He pledged, “We will work harder together with the European Parliament, the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Council and our international partners to engage in a permanent dialogue on how the EU can best contribute to the promotion of religious freedom in the world.”
The official pointed out that the EU action plan on human rights and democracy, adopted in June last year, stressed the importance of ensuring such issues remain a top priority.
About the author
Martin Banks is a senior reporter for the Parliament Magazine
Interview by FOREF Europe with Dr. Ján Figeľ, EU Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB
Vienna, 03.08.2016 (FOREF Europe) – During his short stay in Vienna, Ján Figeľ, the first Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union, met with Peter Zoehrer, the executive director of FOREF Europe. Mr. Figeľ previously served as Slovakia’s deputy Prime Minister and EU Commissioner. After having been nominated on 6 May 2016 by Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, he will focus on some of the most crucial challenges facing Europe today: the quest for religious freedom, radicalization and intercultural dialogue.
FOREF Europe: Dr. Ján Figeľ, congratulations to your nomination as the Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB. Thank you for giving the Forum for Religious Freedom Europe the opportunity to interview you. First of all, we would be interested to know what freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) means to you.
Ján Figeľ: Before we can clarify the issue of religious freedom, allow me to explain my understanding of the notion of freedom in general. Freedom is always rooted in both moral values and human rights. A free society can only be achieved and sustained on the basis of shared moral values. Already the English philosopher John Locke saw the difference between liberty and license. While liberty is the freedom to do what we ought to do, license is the freedom to do what we want to do. On a similar note Benjamin Franklin stated that “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.” Already long before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, George Washington realized that “Human rights can only be assured among a virtuous people.” In other words, there can be no freedom and no human rights without certain moral obligations and sincere commitments.
Now extending this understanding of freedom to the particular theme of religious freedom as a fundamental human right, I believe that to defend the freedom of conscience, thought and belief is our moral obligation. This moral commitment to freedom is the starting point for both reasonable policies and effective action in field of religious freedom. In a nutshell, this is my personal approach to FoRB.
Would you like to share any personal experiences you had in the matter of religious freedom?
Ján Figeľ: In terms of personal experience, I should mention that I come from the post-communist part of Europe. I remember the times when real freedom of religion was non-existent. I came to know how detrimental a totalitarian regime can be, not only for individuals’ lives, but also for society as a whole. The fight for freedom and democracy in Czechoslovakia and later Slovakia united civic, political and religious dissidents. This was a clear proof that human freedom and dignity are indivisible and that these values are universal for all people.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain in 1989, the development and preservation of civic, religious and political freedoms was always at the heart of my work as a Christian Democrat. In my role as Slovakia’s Member of Parliament, deputy Prime Minister and subsequently the EU Commissioner responsible for Education and Youth, I have worked hard to promote intercultural dialogue and to help persecuted people, including political prisoners in Iran, Belarus and Cuba. One of the Cuban prisoners of conscience became my “adoptive” brother and we met after his release.
So, I could tell you a lot of heart-warming human stories of hope and freedom. But let me just state that today, there is an increasing awareness in the general public and in international institutions about the importance of FoRB and related issues, such as genocides on religious grounds. Religious minorities face oppression and discrimination in many countries, predominantly in the Middle East. Within international law, the UN principle of “responsibility to protect” marks a global political commitment endorsed by all UN member states, including members of the EU. This responsibility to protect also includes the duty to protect the freedom of thought, conscience and belief. This was also underlined in the European Parliament’s resolution on the systematic mass murder of adherents of religious minorities by the terrorist group ISIS in February of this year. Therefore, the Parliament started to take action by introducing the position of the Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB, a post of which I am honored to be its first holder since the 6th of May.
How is FoRB connected to other fundamental rights, such as the freedom of speech, the freedom of thought or the freedom of conscience?
Ján Figeľ: Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right that belongs to the basic value system of the European Union. We understand fundamental human rights as indivisible, interrelated and universal. The right to the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief belongs to every human being. This means people may manifest their faith individually or in community, in private or in public and they may change their faith. To be endowed with religious freedom encompasses the freedom to worship, observe religious duties and teach religious ideas. The right to religious freedom should be equally protected and also applies to atheistic or non-theistic belief.
Logically, FoRB is intrinsically linked with the freedom of opinion and expression as well as the freedom of association and assembly. Religious freedom is thus a decisive element to pluralistic, democratic and tolerant societies. Therefore, any sound society respects, protects and promotes this fundamental right. A culture of human rights counts on FoRB as a cornerstone of a free and just society.
As you mentioned, you are the first person to hold the position of Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB outside the EU. What exactly will your tasks be?
Ján Figeľ: The persistent persecution of religious and ethnic minorities makes protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief all the more essential. My task as a Special Envoy was defined by the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, when he stressed on the day of my nomination that we must focus on this important issue and ensure its visibility.
The European Parliament recognized that the ongoing persecution of religious and ethnic groups in the Middle East is a crucial factor that contributes to mass migration and internal displacement. Therefore, together with the European Commissioner, Neven Mimica, who is responsible for International Cooperation and Development, my priority will be to promote practical mechanisms of protection for the persecuted next to humanitarian aid for those in need in the most affected areas.
We will work harder together with the European Parliament, the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Council and our international partners to engage in a permanent dialogue on how the EU can best contribute to the promotion of FoRB in the world. The European Parliament’s Intergroup on FoRB and Religious Tolerance, which was introduced last year in January, is very supportive as well. There are already several programs and instruments to promote human rights in general and of FoRB in particular, such as the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). The new EIDHR regulation for 2014-20 specifically includes FoRB as a priority. Out of a total allocation of 20 million Euros, 5 million Euros have been earmarked for the promotion of FoRB projects. Finally, as part of my mission, I will also present a report as part of the ongoing dialogue between the European Commission and churches, religious associations or communities. This exchange with religious bodies is led by the First Vice-President of the Commission Frans Timmermans.
Jan Figel and Pope Francis shaking hands
How will you determine your priorities and what principles will you apply to that process?
Ján Figeľ: We are concerned about the rise of violence and threats in non-EU countries, particularly Syria, Iraq, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Iran, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India and others. We are determined to defend FoRB as a right to be exercised everywhere and by everyone. In multilateral fora, the EU focusses on consolidating the content of FoRB resolutions, both in the UN Human Rights Council and in the General Assembly. We also work closely with our partners such as the United States and Canada. In the end of July I represented the EU at an international conference in Washington where more than 30 national and international delegations discussed the threats posed to religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East by ISIS as well as options for practical help to these communities.
My first regional priority is the Middle East, where we currently witness the genocide of the Christian, Yezidi, Shia Muslim and other communities. I want to invite more parliaments and governments to speak against this ongoing genocide. “Never again” must mean never again! We have to finally conclude the century of genocides, if we wish to live in a better time. The ongoing online presentations of the killings of innocent people is an appeal for urgent reaction by the international community. The problem of systematic murder against ethnic or religious groups is a much greater security threat than climate change! When should we apply international law against genocide and show the will to prosecute perpetrators if not now? The international community has to tackle this situation more actively and on all levels.
We need to support the liberation of territories from ISIS and in the long run prepare conditions for post-liberation stability and recovery. But what is now most urgently needed is humanitarian aid. Other important tasks concern the field of education and the prevention of radicalization, in particular among young people. In the most affected areas, such as the Kurdistan Region, we have to do everything we can to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to all civilians and offer protection to all ethnic and religious communities. According to UN estimates, the ongoing offensive to liberate Mosul and the Nineveh plains could result in 300,000 and up to 1.5 million refugees. We should be prepared for this situation, which could easily turn into a major humanitarian crisis.
Lastly, we have to work on local reconciliation and interreligious dialogue. But sustainable reconciliation presupposes justice and the rule of law in place. That is a must, because lasting peace is the fruit of justice.
In 24 UN member states, changing one’s religion – an act known as apostasy – is considered a criminal offense. What steps should the EU take in order to abolish apostasy and blasphemy laws?
Ján Figeľ: As Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union I am aware of these legal realities and finding a solution remains a priority for us.
The European Council is working on this issue as well, and the new EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy adopted in June 2015 stressed the importance of “ensuring FoRB remains high on the agenda with third countries as well as in multilateral fora.” In its conclusions on Pakistan, the Council called on that country to prioritize and take further action to respect, protect and promote freedom of religion or belief and the rights of persons belonging to minorities. The situation is similar in Iran, Somalia, Sudan and some other countries.
Respect for religious freedom must also be monitored as part of the so-called Human Rights Impact Assessments that are carried out when the EU negotiates new bilateral trade and investment agreements. Where gross and persistent FoRB violations occur, no such agreements should be concluded. In addition to promoting religious freedom in bilateral relations, the EU delegations will also be more active in this field in its work with the UN.
Finally, we should remember that this arduous task is carried out not only by politicians and diplomats, but also by civil society representatives, NGOs, academia and all people of good will. And I would like to invite all these actors and people for closer and more intense cooperation. The 21st century may become better than the previous one, if we all care and bring into our times and societies more humanity, more responsibility and more solidarity.
Dr. Figeľ, thank you very much for the interview. The Forum for Religious Freedom Europe wishes you the best of success with your new mission.
Ján Figeľ (r) with FOREF Europe’s Executive Director, Peter Zoehrer
Die Europäische Union will unsere Grundwerte auf Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit stärker vermitteln. Die Koordinierung dieser Aufgabe liegt bei Ján Figel, dem EU-Sonderbeauftragten für Glaubens- und Religionsfreiheit außerhalb der Europäischen Union.
Was hat die EU-Kommission veranlasst, Sie zum ersten Sonderbeauftragten für Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit zu ernennen und wie beschreiben Sie Ihr Aufgabengebiet?
Ján Figel: Die Sorge um die Lage der Menschenrechte und der Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit wächst in vielen Regionen. Im Nahen Osten sind wir mit einer nie da gewesenen Krise konfrontiert, wie das Europäische Parlament in seiner Resolution vom 4. Februar 2016 über „den systematischen Massenmord an den religiösen Minderheiten“ (durch ISIS) hervorgehoben hat. Die Situation verschlechtert sich auch in vielen anderen Ländern. Meine Aufgabe ist es, im Rahmen unserer Hilfsprogramme mit Drittländern, Wege aufzuzeigen, wie Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit außerhalb der EU gefördert und geschützt werden können. Ich arbeite als Sonderbeauftragter von Neven Mimica, dem Kommissar für Internationale Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung. Wir möchten vor allem interreligiösen Konflikten und Spannungen zuvorkommen, und diese künftig mit Hilfe besserer Präventionsmaßnahmen verhindern.
Wie und wo konkret setzt sich die EU auf internationaler Ebene für den Schutz der Religionsfreiheit ein und welche neuen Impulse sind von Ihnen zu erwarten?
Wenn es um den Schutz und die Förderung der Religionsfreiheit geht, erinnere ich daran, dass die EU 2013 „Leitlinien zur Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit“ veröffentlicht hat. Damit hat sie ihren Mitgliedstaaten das Mandat erteilt, politische Dialoge mit Drittstaaten zu führen, um diesen den Zugang zu internationalen Instrumenten zu ermöglichen, z. B. um internationale Beobachter einzuladen, die bei der Umsetzung von Gesetzesänderungen Unterstützung leisten. So wurden im Zusammenhang mit dieser Leitlinie Nichtregierungsorganisationen mit über 11 Millionen Euro unterstützt (2007-2015). Die Leitlinie für Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit umfasst Projekte in allen Regionen der Welt, z. B. in der Zentralafrikanischen Republik, in Indonesien, Irak oder der Türkei. Die Projekte beinhalten die Förderung von Dialog und Kooperation, Aufklärungsmaßnahmen oder der Unterstützung von Menschenrechtsverteidigern.
Die interreligiösen Konflikte nehmen auch in Europa zu, denn die EU wird durch Zuwanderung in konfessioneller Hinsicht vielfältiger. Aber genau das treibt Populisten auf die Straße und beschert ihren Parteien Zulauf. Wie soll die Politik darauf reagieren?
Diese Entwicklung beunruhigt mich zutiefst. Mein Engagement gilt deshalb dem Ziel, dass die Achtung vor der Vielfalt in der EU durchgesetzt wird. Was wir brauchen, nenne ich „Einheit in Vielfalt“. Jeder von uns ist dafür verantwortlich, sich innerhalb des eigenen Wirkungskreises in dieser Richtung zu engagieren. Wir sollten durch unsere Gemeinsamkeiten Brücken bauen, um kurzsichtige Denkweisen zu überwinden. Die EU ist in sich ein Labor der Vielfalt. In der Tat waren und sind wir alle in der EU „Minderheiten“, die jeweils ein Teil des Ganzen sind. Wir müssen unsere Kräfte bündeln und lernen, „das gleiche Lied zu singen“, was nicht zwangsläufig bedeutet, „mit einer Stimme zu sprechen“. Durch die Stärkung des Gesprächs zwischen den Religionen, durch gegenseitige Aufmerksamkeit und Bildung müssen wir der Intoleranz, der Radikalisierung und dem Fanatismus den Boden entziehen.
Sind wir in Europa hinreichend entschlossen, unsere eigenen Grund- und Freiheitsrechte, auch die Religionsfreiheit, sichtbar zu verteidigen?
Die Frage könnte auch lauten: Sind wir unserem „Fundament“ gegenüber loyal genug; unseren Werten, wie der Würde des Menschen, universalen Grundrechten, Gleichheit, einer pluralistischen Demokratie und Gerechtigkeit? Die beste Verteidigung dieser Werte besteht nicht in der Errichtung von Mauern, sondern in der Förderung von Dialog und Teilhabe. Wir müssen definitiv mehr für die weltweite Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit tun. Genau deshalb wurde die Position des Sonderbeauftragten für Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit neu geschaffen. Meine Kooperation steht allen Vertretern aus Politik, Medien, Kultur oder Gesellschaft offen, die diesen Ansatz unterstützen.
Wie interpretieren Sie die jüngste päpstliche Aufforderung, unsere Staatengemeinschaft solle „ihre europäische Seele“ wieder entdecken?
Ich finde diese Idee gut. Europa sollte seine Seele wiederentdecken, und dies wird hoffentlich geschehen. Europa ist eine Gemeinschaft von Menschen mit gemeinsamen Werten und Interessen. Ich bin fest davon überzeugt, dass kulturelle, geistige und menschliche Aspekte ein unverzichtbarer Bestandteil unseres Zusammenlebens sind. Die gegenwärtige Unterstützung, die meine Arbeit erfährt, weist darauf hin, dass dieser Beitrag schon längst überfällig war. Europa muss eine Verfechterin der Menschrechte sein, zum Beispiel wenn es um universelle Solidarität geht. Dies ist das Vermächtnis von Robert Schuman, das ich aufrichtig teile.
Welche Lehren muss Brüssel aus dem Brexit-Votum ziehen? Die Subsidiarität, eine Säule der katholischen Soziallehre, gehört zu den europäischen Grundwerten und müsste künftig dieses Prinzip (Vorfahrt für die kleinere Einheit) nicht ganz oben auf der EU-Agenda stehen?
Europa steht unter Druck, und die Brexit-Abstimmung ist ein Weckruf für uns alle. Mehr denn je brauchen wir Reformen für ein „besseres Europa“, wie sie in den politischen Prioritäten der Juncker-Kommission niedergelegt sind. Europa darf weder ein Superstaat noch nur ein freier Markt für Handel werden. Die EU muss eine gut organisierte und effiziente Gemeinschaft der Mitgliedstaaten und ihrer Bürger sein. Ich betrachte Subsidiarität als Teil einer doppelten Zielsetzung sowie als Kriterium von Richtlinien. Subsidiarität gemeinsam mit Solidarität sollte als ein duales Prinzip verfolgt werden. Denn Subsidiarität bedeutet Freiheit, aber auch Verantwortung.
Wie viel Aufmerksamkeit widmen Sie dem Thema „Christenverfolgung“?Müssen wir die Zunahme brutaler Anschläge und deren Ursachen stärker in den Fokus rücken?
Ich werde mich für die Förderung der Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit aller Gläubigen und Nicht-Gläubigen einsetzen, zumal Leid und Verfolgung über sämtliche Glaubensrichtungen und Regionen hinweg existieren. Dabei will ich meinen Fokus auf die Unterstützung der Bedürftigsten legen, und als Teil einer effektiven mittel- und langfristigen Perspektive unserer europäischen Agenda, wann immer möglich, die Ursachen dieses Leidens adressieren. Prävention ist hier unverzichtbar. Verstärkt helfen wir anderen Ländern bei der Vorbeugung und Vermeidung von religiösen Konflikten. Tatsache ist, dass die überwiegende Mehrheit verfolgter Menschen heutzutage Christen sind. Das Europäische Parlament zählte 150.000 Tote pro Jahr. Bei diesem Thema arbeite ich mit Nichtregierungsorganisationen wie Kirche in Not, Christian Solidarity Worldwide oder SOS Chrétiens d’Orient zusammen.
Welche Rolle spielt Ihre neue Funktion im Rahmen der slowakischen EU-Präsidentschaft im zweiten Halbjahr 2016?
Figel: Meine Aufgabe als Sonderbeauftragter für Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit hat keine direkte Verbindung mit der slowakischen Präsidentschaft und dem damit verbundenen Programm. Ich werde jedoch Synergien zwischen meiner Agenda und dem Präsidentschaftsprogramm unterstützen, um das Beste aus diesem „Zufall“ und den Verbindungen zu slowakischen Kollegen herauszuholen.
On Friday 6 May, whilst Brussels was enjoying a bank holiday, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker announced the appointment of ex-Commissioner Jan Figel as the first EU Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) outside the EU.
Why has this appointment been made?
This appointment followed a little noticed paragraph in the European Parliament (EP) resolution on the systematic mass murder of religious minorities by the so-called ‘ISIS/Daesh’, which had called in paragraph 10 for such a posting. Calls made in EP resolutions are notoriously under-implemented; even the European External Action Service (EEAS) staff seemed to be taken by surprise by the announcement, which as it concerns FoRB outside the EU, falls under their remit.
The appointment, thus, has left many in Brussels wondering what it will actually mean in practice. During his speech to the Vatican, President Juncker said that “Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right which is part of the foundation of the European Union.” This is consistent with a growing importance being given to FoRB over the past couple of years; the EU Guidelines on this topic emerged in June 2013. In 2015, the European Parliament established an EP Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance and the commission appointed coordinators on anti-Semitism and anti-Islamophobia within the EU.
What is clear is that Jan Figel will act as a special advisor to Neven Mimicia, the European Commissioner for International Development. Whereas other advisors to commissioners have clearly defined mandates on the EC website, the fact that Jan Figel only has a title indicates that he will have some flexibility to shape his work.
Why is it important?
The will to mainstream freedom of religion or belief into the EU’s wider external agenda is a very welcome sign. Given the increasing number of FoRB violations taking place both inside and outside of Europe, there needs to be a push for an increased awareness of the need for FoRB and the way that it benefits communities. Pew’s most recent study on religious hostility worldwide found that 5.5 billion people worldwide live in countries with high or very high overall restrictions on religion. Several of these countries are recipients of EU development aid.
“The will to mainstream freedom of religion or belief into the EU’s wider external agenda is a very welcome sign.”
That said, given that the majority of those people are citizens of China and India, the world’s largest emerging economies, it may have been useful for Jan Figel to have also been made a special advisor to Cecilia Malmström, the European Commissioner for Trade. According to research by Dr Brian Grim, FoRB is good for business and countries with fewer restrictions on religion experience more investment and growth – so perhaps it’s an argument that can still be made.
How much influence will the EU Special Envoy on FoRB outside the EU actually have?
It remains to be seen what the relationship will be between the Special Envoy and Stavros Lambrinidis, the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights and the EEAS. Given that the EEAS is responsible for arranging the EU’s human rights dialogues (bi-lateral talks that take place between the EU and third countries) it would be in the interests of coherence for Mr Figel to establish close contact with this institution.
If Jan Figel uses the EU’s FoRB guidelines as a basis for his work, then he could play an instrumental role in pushing for their wider dissemination and implementation at the dialogues. He could also work to mainstream religious concerns more broadly in the EU’s peacekeeping initiatives. Mr Figel should strive to form a working group incorporating all of those concerned with different aspects of FoRB so as to ensure the coherence and consistency of EU action on the matter.
“As the world becomes more polarised and people become more wary of one another, the promotion of FoRB provides for pluralism and peaceful co-existence.”
With atheist bloggers being killed in Bangladesh, Yazidis and other religious minorities being massacred by Daesh (Islamic State), and religious leaders throughout the world being intimidated and arrested, FoRB is more important than ever. As the world becomes more polarised and people become more wary of one another, the promotion of FoRB provides for pluralism and peaceful co-existence. Mr Figel has the opportunity to bring together all of the elements of FoRB protection and promotion in the EU and move them forward to create a safer world for people of all faiths and none. Let’s hope he uses it.
By Dr Susan Kerr and Claire Gilder, CSW’s Europe Office
Il presidente della Commissione Juncker si affida al politico slovacco per la promozione e la tutela dei credenti oltre i confini comunitari. Il rispetto delle fedi, afferma, è la “condizione preliminare per un mondo più umano nel XXI secolo”
Jàn Figel con Papa Francesco
“La libertà di religione e di credo è un diritto fondamentale alla base della costruzione dell’Unione europea. Alla luce delle persecuzioni che continuano a colpire le minoranze etniche e religiose, è ancor più importante proteggere e promuovere questo diritto dentro e fuori l’Unione”. Con questa motivazione il presidente della Commissione europea, Jean-Claude Juncker, ha nominato Jàn Figel “rappresentante speciale per la promozione della libertà di religione o di credo al di fuori dell’Unione europea”. Slovacco, 56 anni, deputato e ministro nel suo Paese dove è stato anche leader del Movimento democratico cristiano, Jàn Figel è stato Commissario Ue per istruzione, formazione, cultura e gioventù nel quinquennio 2004-2009; ora entra in carica per un periodo iniziale di un anno. La prima intervista è per il Sir.
Come vede la libertà religiosa, intesa come uno dei diritti fondamentali?
La libertà religiosa è una cartina di tornasole dei diritti umani e delle libertà fondamentali. Dove non c’è libertà religiosa, di solito manca anche la libertà civile e politica. Ecco perché la comprensione, il rispetto e il sostegno nei confronti della libertà di religione o di credo rappresentano una condizione preliminare per un mondo più umano nel XXI secolo.
Quale contributo possono portare le religioni al dialogo tra le nazioni e alla questione della pace?
La fede e la religione abitano all’interno dell’uomo. E lo stesso si può dire della libertà di dubitare o di non credere. La dignità umana è il valore primario ed essenziale che unisce tutti noi nel mondo civilizzato. Dovrebbe essere un principio universale permanente per tutti. E il dialogo rappresenta la strada per il riconoscimento o per un cambiamento radicale di tale valore. Nel dialogo, cerchiamo risposte e le troviamo. Perché il dialogo è più di due monologhi. Mentre il monologo si limita a confermare e avanzare richieste, soltanto il dialogo sviluppa e costruisce rapporti reciproci – tra le persone, le comunità, le religioni, le nazioni. Abbiamo grande bisogno di una cultura del dialogo nel mondo contemporaneo, in quanto ci porta un arricchimento. Nel dialogo, 1 + 1 fa più di 2, perché si tratta di etica, non di matematica.
Qual è la sua opinione sulla situazione attuale nel campo della libertà religiosa nel mondo? Può definire alcune sfide principali che meriterebbero un’attenzione prioritaria?
La persecuzione e l’intolleranza per motivi religiosi o di credo sono molto diffuse e, purtroppo, questi problemi sono andati peggiorando in molte regioni del mondo. La libertà religiosa è strettamente limitata o negata in più della metà dei Paesi del mondo, e questa tendenza si sta sviluppando in senso negativo. Tutte le religioni, anche se in misura diversa, si trovano sotto l’oppressione di regimi dittatoriali, di leggi anti-proselitismo, di regimi atei militanti o dell’estremismo. Assistiamo anche a un genocidio delle minoranze religiose, soprattutto cristiane, yazidi e di altre religioni, da parte dello Stato Islamico. E non basta puntare l’indice contro questa situazione. È necessario intraprendere un’azione più decisa. Secondo il diritto internazionale, abbiamo l’obbligo di aiutare le vittime delle persecuzioni, dare la caccia ai colpevoli e agire in modo efficace per fermare i genocidi.
Che cosa ci può dire della libertà religiosa entro i confini dell’Unione europea? Si può ritenere un diritto acquisito? L’Ue garantisce questo tipo di libertà sulla base della sua Carta dei diritti fondamentali, che è parte integrante del suo sistema. La definizione e l’attuazione dei diritti collettivi delle Chiese e associazioni religiose è di stretta competenza di ogni Paese membro e l’Ue è obbligata a rispettarle. Oltre a questo, è stato creato uno spazio-sistema in base al Trattato di Lisbona in vista di un dialogo costante, aperto e costruttivo tra Ue e comunità religiose. Su questo vedo un significativo potenziale di atteggiamenti e accordi seri finalizzati al bene comune all’interno dell’Ue e oltre i suoi confini. Finora, però, questo potenziale non è stato utilizzato appieno.
In che modo la crisi migratoria è collegata alla questione della libertà religiosa? Quali sfide dobbiamo affrontare in questo ambito?
Ci sono due volti di questa crisi che devono essere oggetto di discernimento. La migrazione economica consiste nella ricerca di migliori prospettive personali e di auto-realizzazione. Poi ci sono gruppi di persone che sono perseguitate per vari motivi fra cui la fede religiosa, ci sono i rifugiati provenienti dalle regioni in conflitto… La questione migratoria è la sfida più urgente che abbiamo di fronte, che chiama in causa la solidarietà nell’Ue e la pace e la stabilità nelle regioni di conflitto. E – in una seconda fase – la necessità di un’integrazione reale dei migranti, nel caso in cui un interesse sincero e reciproco venga mostrato da entrambe le parti.
Quali saranno le priorità del suo nuovo incarico? Qualche primo passo concreto?
È un mandato senza precedenti, il primo del suo genere nella storia dell’Ue. Non ho alcun ufficio, soltanto lo status di inviato speciale, il che equivale a una collaborazione prevalentemente professionale e politica con la Commissione europea, in particolare nel settore della cooperazione e dello sviluppo internazionale, con un obiettivo chiaro: sostenere la libertà religiosa o di credo nel mondo all’esterno dell’Unione. Insieme al presidente Juncker e al commissario Neven Mimica vorrei collaborare non solo con i rappresentanti dei Paesi membri, ma anche con le Ong internazionali nell’Ue e in tutto il mondo. La libertà non è mai una bene acquisito, è necessario prendersene cura in modo responsabile nei nostri Paesi e all’estero. E salvare almeno un uomo significa salvare l’umanità.
Juncker, annunciato nuovo inviato speciale UE per la difesa e promozione della libertà religiosa nel mondo, venerdì 6 maggio in occasione della cerimonia di consegna del premio Carlo Magno al Santo Padre Francesco nella Sala Regia del Vaticano. L’incarico è stato affidato a Ján Figeľ, precedentemente Commissario Europeo e politico slovacco (Primo Ministro tra il 2010 e il 2012), il cui compito sarà la “promozione della libertà di religione e di credo al di fuori dell’Unione Europea”.
Mandato annuale rinnovabile, questo nuovo ruolo è stato richiesto dalla risoluzione del Parlamento Europeo dello scorso 4 febbraio 2016. “Data l’importanza di promuovere e proteggere la libertà di religione e credo al di fuori dell’Unione Europea, nel contesto del dialogo e dei programmi di assistenza con paesi terzi, l’Inviato Speciale opererà come consigliere speciale del Commissario per la Cooperazione Internazionale e lo Sviluppo, Neven Mimica” – si legge nel comunicato stampa.
“La miseria del mondo non può lasciarci indifferenti, la miseria del mondo è una questione che riguarda anche noi” ha affermato il Presidente Junker, nel corso della premiazione del Pontefice, il quale dopo i ringraziamenti ha condiviso la propria speranza per un’Europa della famiglia “dove sposarsi e avere figli sono una responsabilità e una gioia grande e non un problema dato dalla mancanza di lavoro”, in un orizzonte che abbracci tutta la dignità della persona umana dal bambino all’anziano, dal malato al migrante.
“La libertà religiosa è un principio coessenziale alla fondazione dell’Unione Europea”, ha dichiarato Junker, “l’incessante persecuzione di minoranze religioe ed etniche rende sempre più essenziale proteggere e promuovere questa libertà all’interno e all’esterno dell’UE”.
Finalmente, dunque l’Europa intraprende un importante passo concreto che non rimane mero intento, andando così “oltre le dichiarazioni politiche e le risoluzioni”, commenta Sophia Kuby, director of EU advocacy per ADF International.
“ADF International dà il benvenuto alla istituzione dell’Inviato Speciale” prosegue Kuby, “siamo convinti che questo nuovo inviato sarà voce a chi ora ne è privo, dando inizio ad un nuovo capitolo in cui l’UE prende più seriamente in considerazione i propri doveri nei confronti dei diritti umani”.
L’ancien commissaire européen Ján Figeľ prend ses fonctions dès aujourd’hui pour un mandat initial d’un an
Prenant la parole au Vatican aujourd’hui à l’occasion de la remise du Prix Charlemagne au pape François, le président Jean-Claude Juncker a annoncé sa décision de nommer M. Ján Figeľ (qui a été le commissaire européen chargé de l’éducation, de la formation, de la culture et de la jeunesse de 2004 à 2009) en tant que premier représentant spécial pour la promotion de la liberté de religion ou de conviction à l’extérieur de l’Union européenne. M. Figeľ prend ses fonctions dès aujourd’hui pour un mandat initial d’un an.
Le président Juncker a déclaré: « La liberté de religion ou de conviction est un droit fondamental faisant partie des fondements de l’Union européenne. La persistance des persécutions dont sont victimes les minorités religieuses et ethniques rend d’autant plus indispensable la protection et la promotion de cette liberté à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de l’Union. Notre représentant spécial, M. Ján Figeľ, saura nous aider dans cette entreprise en veillant à ce que cette importante question bénéficie de toute l’attention qu’elle mérite ».
Le Parlement européen soutient cette initiative qu’il a appelée de ses vœux dans sa résolution du 4 février 2016. Compte tenu de l’importance de la promotion et de la protection de la liberté de religion ou de conviction à l’extérieur de l’Union dans le cadre du dialogue de l’Union européenne avec les pays tiers et des programmes d’aide qui leur sont destinés, le représentant spécial fera office de conseiller spécial auprès du commissaire européen chargé de la coopération internationale et du développement, M. Neven Mimica. Son mandat d’un an est renouvelable.
M. Figeľ apporte sa vaste expérience des affaires européennes et internationales. Il a occupé le poste de commissaire européen chargé de l’éducation, de la formation, de la culture et de la jeunesse de 2004 à 2009 et a été premier vice-Premier ministre de la République slovaque de 2010 à 2012.
Dans le cadre de sa mission, M. Figeľ présentera un rapport pour contribuer au dialogue régulier entre la Commission européenne, les églises et les associations ou communautés religieuses, qui est mené par M. Frans Timmermans, premier vice-président de la Commission.
Le président de la Commission européenne, Jean-Claude Juncker, a nommé, vendredi 6 mai, le premier « envoyé spécial pour la promotion de la liberté de religion et de conviction en dehors de l’Union européenne ».
Homme politique slovaque, ancien commissaire européen à l’éducation, formation, culture et jeunesse de 2004 à 2009), Ján Figel sera le premier « envoyé spécial pour la promotion de la liberté de religion et de conviction en dehors de l’Union européenne ».
Ainsi en a décidé le président de la Commission européenne, Jean-Claude Juncker, qui a annoncé sa nomination vendredi 6 mai, en marge de la remise du Prix Charlemagne au pape François à Rome.
Ján Figel a été nommé pour un mandat initial d’un an.
« La liberté de religion ou de conviction est un droit fondamental qui fait partie de la fondation de l’Union européenne », a rappelé Jean-Claude Juncker dans son allocution. « La persécution persistante des minorités religieuses et ethniques rend la protection et la promotion de cette liberté à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de l’UE toujours plus essentielles ».
Homme politique slovaque, Ján Figel est membre du Mouvement chrétien-démocrate (KDH). Député au Conseil national de la République slovaque de 1992 à 1998 puis de nouveau de 2002 à 2004, il est spécialiste des questions européennes et a occupé les fonctions de secrétaire d’État au ministère des affaires étrangères, puis négociateur en chef pour l’adhésion de la Slovaquie à l’UE de 1998 à 2003.
EU-Kommissionspräsident Jean-Claude Juncker hat den ersten Sonderbeauftragten für Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit außerhalb der EU ernannt. Er solle das europäische Ideal der Religionsfreiheit gegenüber Drittstaaten vertreten.
Der ehemalige EU-Kommissar Jan Figel (56) werde für 2017 Sondergesandter für Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit außerhalb der EU sein, sagte Juncker in seiner Rede bei der Karlspreisvergabe an Papst Franziskus im Vatikan.Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit seien ein Grundrecht, auf dem die EU aufgebaut sei. Die Verfolgung von religiösen und ethnischen Minderheiten mache es wichtiger denn je, diese Freiheit innerhalb und außerhalb der EU zu fördern, so Juncker.
Das EU-Parlament hatte sich im Februar in einer Resolution für ein solches Amt ausgesprochen. Besonders im Dialog der EU mit Drittstaaten zum Beispiel über Entwicklungsprogramme sei dieses Thema wichtig.
Der Sonderbeauftragte soll dem EU-Kommissar für Entwicklungszusammenarbeit, Neven Mimica, zuarbeiten. Teil seiner Arbeit soll auch der Bericht über den Dialog zwischen Kirchen, Religionsgemeinschaften und der EU-Kommission sein. Figel, Figel, Vorsitzender der katholisch-konservativen Partei KDH, war von 2004 bis 2009 EU-Kommissar für Bildung und Kultur. war von 2004 bis 2009 EU-Kommissar für Bildung, Kultur und Jugend und von 2010 bis 2012 Vize-Ministerpräsident der Slowakei.
