Category: English
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The Special Envoy Mandate: The Litmus Test for EU Policy on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Tomorrow, the European Parliament sub-committee on human rights (DROI) will meet to discuss a draft resolution on EU Guidelines on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and the mandate of the Special Envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. It’s a significant milestone, representing the culmination of a year-long reflection within the European institutions on how the EU could more effectively promote and protect FoRB in its foreign policy and external action.
It’s also a document to watch: the recommendations that Parliament chooses to put forward in this resolution are likely to play a key role in shaping the future direction of EU policy on FoRB.
The resolution’s focus on FoRB
The resolution’s draft text has evidently been carefully crafted and it is pleasing to see such considered political analysis of how the EU could do FoRB policy better. Many long-held calls of civil society are included and extended.
The strong support given to the Special Envoy mandate is especially welcome: the draft resolution “considers the appointment of the Special Envoy as an important step forward” and “praises the Special Envoy for his continuous engagement and cooperation and complementarity of actions with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights.”
The Special Envoy on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU
The inauguration of the Special Envoy mandate in 2016 was somewhat unexpected. The European Parliament (EP) originally called in February 2016 for the EU to institute a permanent Special Representative on FoRB (a call repeated again in the present draft resolution). Heeding but watering down this request, European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker announcedthree months later that Slovak politician and former European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Ján Figeľ would be appointed to an entirely different position: Special Envoy, a role to be located within the European Commission and wearing the dual hat of ‘Special Advisor to the Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica’.
This decision was controversial: no-one quite knew what a Special Envoy was, and some said that appointing a distinct focal point on FoRB undermined the indivisibility of human rights. The choice of venue and timing was also inopportune: Juncker opted to announce his new FoRB-for-all Envoy at the Vatican, on the occasion of awarding a prestigious European integration prize to Pope Francis.
Positive impact of Ján Figeľ as Special Envoy
Initial controversy aside, Ján Figeľ has proven himself since 2016 to be unswervingly dedicated to the cause of FoRB. He has worked exceptionally hard to develop a largely undefined and arguably experimental position into a formal, functional role. With little official guidance on how his mandate is to operate, he focuses on travelling widely, meeting with national leaders, religious dignitaries, human rights defenders, academics and others, and speaking at international conferences and public events. His active presence on the international political stage and his persistence in raising FoRB in complex diplomatic circumstances has appreciably raised the visibility of EU engagement with this fundamental human right, and he has valuably affirmed and encouraged people worldwide working to protect and defend FoRB in challenging country contexts.
Figel’s impact over the past two-and-a-half-years is particularly remarkable considering that the Special Envoy post is chronically under-resourced, lacks stability (Figel was appointed on a one-year renewable term, which was formally renewed in 2017 and informally extended past May 2018) and continues to be questioned by EU officials. Personal charisma and initiative must be credited for a large portion of Figel’s success.
Sustainability of the Special Envoy mandate
It has long been held by CSW and others that to be fully effective, the Special Envoy role needs to be more holistically integrated into EU human rights policy structures. The EU vitally needs an overarching FoRB policy strategy which is long-term and connected to other human rights strategies and activities.
It is encouraging to see the EP draft resolution echoing these calls: it “deplores the fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient human and financial resources” and “calls on the Council and the Commission to strengthen the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate and capacity, by earmarking funding and human resources adequate to the Envoy’s duties, developing a systemic institutionalisation of working networks established by the Special Envoy within all relevant EU institutions or establishing the position of the EU Special Representative for FoRB.”
Adding further calls, the draft resolution goes on to recommend extending the Special Envoy term of office to a multi-year term and setting up a “regular advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including churches and other faith-based organisations”. Finally, it recommends closer cooperation with the UN. All of this is to be welcomed: it represents a pragmatic development of the Special Envoy’s unique role in promoting FoRB and will help to inform FoRB policymaking both within the EU and more globally.
The Special Envoy is setting the standard
The Special Envoy mandate is no longer an experimental test; Ján Figel’s actions and impact have demonstrated its core value to the EU and shown its importance in the world. By having a dedicated high-level position on FoRB, the EU is also setting a standard for its Member States to follow.
On January 1, 2018, the Danish government established the Office of the Special Representative for Freedom of Religion or Belief, appointing Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin as Denmark’s Special Representative for FoRB. In early July 2018, the UK government appointed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon as UK Special Envoy on FoRB. In late July, Sweden’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasising the level of attention paid to FoRB in the work of their Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
It is encouraging to see momentum on FoRB building among the EU Member States and it is vitally important that the EU institutions continue to lead the way by supporting and strengthening the Special Envoy mandate, including, as the draft resolution asks, giving consideration to instituting a permanent EU Special Representative office.
Human rights, including FoRB, are increasingly under threat on local, national, regional and international levels. With other global political powers shifting positions and European elections looming in 2019, there is an urgent need for the EU to hold fast to its founding principles and reassert its commitment to human rights in both words and action.
This draft resolution offers a critical opportunity for the EU to reflect on, improve and enhance its work on FoRB, and it is to be hoped that its currently strong wording and calls remain intact throughout the parliamentary process. To quote a phrase oft-used by Ján Figeľ himself, the way in which the EU institutions receive and implement this draft resolution will be the “litmus test” for the future of FoRB, and thus for the EU’s human rights policy as a whole.
By Amy Shepherd, CSW’s EU Advocacy Manager
The article is reproduced from FoRB in full – A blog by CSW: https://forbinfull.org/2018/09/05/the-special-envoy-mandate-the-litmus-test-for-eu-policy-on-freedom-of-religion-or-belief/
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To Address Religious Persecution The Mechanism Of The EU Special Envoy On FoRB Needs More Teeth
On February 4, 2016, the European Parliament, as the second international institution, adopted a resolution that formally recognized the systematic mass murder of religious minorities by Daesh as genocide. The resolution, among other things, urged “the members of the UN Security Council to support a referral by the Security Council to the International Criminal Court in order to investigate violations committed in Iraq and Syria” perpetrated by Daesh. The resolution further called for the creation of a new mechanism of a special representative for the promotion of religious freedom.
On May 6, 2016, President of the European Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, announced that Mr Jan Figel was appointed as the first Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU (EU Special Envoy on FoRB) with a mandate for one year, which is renewable.
According to that Decision of the President of the European Commission, “The Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU shall report on an annual basis in the context of the dialogue between the Commission and churches and religious associations or communities, led by the First Vice-President in charge of Better Regulation, Inter-institutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.”
Over the recent years, and having had his mandate renewed twice, the EU Special Envoy on FoRB has been supporting the implementation of the “EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief.” He has been conducting country visits to engage a wide range of actors working at the national and international level, including governmental bodies, religious leaders, civil society, human rights organisations, and the affected communities. Furthermore, as the European Parliament’s page identified: “At the core of his work lays the promotion of respect for diversity on religious or belief grounds and the support for inclusive intercultural and interreligious dialogue processes.In his work, the Special Envoy is committed to an approach based on the protection of all human rights including freedom of religion or belief, the right to believe or not to believe.”
However, in order to ensure that the mandate of the EU Special Envoy on FoRB can fulfil its potential, it is crucial to ensure that the mandate has more teeth.
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Enough talk. Let’s have action on Rohingya massacres
Inquiries were held on the mass killings in Rakhine state and some visa bans imposed; here’s what must happen next
After the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica, the words “never again” were uttered like a mantra by many in the international community. Yet a year ago in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, “never again” happened all over again.
On 25 August 2017, the army unleashed a military offensive that forced more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee their villages into neighbouring Bangladesh. It is believed that thousands were killed. Human rights organisations have reported mass rape and eyewitness accounts describe babies and children snatched from their parents’ arms and thrown into burning homes or drowned in rivers. Families were burned alive in their homes, villagers lined up and shot and civilians targeted indiscriminately. Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, the outgoing United Nations high commissioner for human rights, described what happened as “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing”, and the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, said she saw “the hallmarks of genocide”.
Within the next few weeks, two significant reports will be published. The United States is expected to release the results of its investigation, which may conclude that what has occurred is genocide. The UN fact-finding mission, established before the offensive began last year, will present its report and may well recommend mechanisms for accountability. The evidence and recommendations of these reports must receive serious attention – it is essential that the international community summons the political will to act. This coming week, the UN security council will discuss the situation again, as it has done on several occasions already. Such discussions are vital, but they must move from talk to action.
And yet of course the crisis did not begin a year ago. The plight of the Rohingya has been severe for decades. This predominantly Muslim population has been subjected to dehumanisation and marginalisation, stripped of citizenship rights, rendered stateless and facing restrictions on movement, marriage, access to education and healthcare and freedom of religion or belief.
In 2012, violence broke out between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, leaving thousands displaced and parts of the state smouldering. Rohingya were held in dire conditions in camps that observers compare to internment centres. A new campaign by the Myanmar military broke out in October 2016, a prelude to last year’s dramatic escalation.
What, then, should be done? The European Union, the US and Canada have imposed visa bans on a few military and security personnel, which is a welcome step, and Washington has recently strengthened some sanctions against some individuals, although not yet the man ultimately responsible, the commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing. But there is no global arms embargo, no targeted sanctions against military-owned enterprises and no action to end impunity by referring the perpetrators of crimes against humanity to the international criminal court. These are steps that the UN and its member states should now adopt.
Ending impunity is essential because history shows that if those who perpetrate crimes against humanity get away with it, they or others will take it as a signal that they can repeat the same crimes. We warned of this 18 months ago.
But we must also consider what else can be done in addition to justice and accountability. Myanmar has been torn apart by decades of ethnic conflict, fuelled in recent years by religious intolerance and hatred. Constructive steps towards long-term peace-building and reconciliation are needed, to counter the voices of intolerance and promote the principle of freedom of religion or belief, based on respect for human dignity, for every person of every race in Myanmar. Narratives need to be challenged, hate speech countered, the citizenship rights of the Rohingya respected, voices of peace within all religions strengthened and a genuine peace process and political dialogue enhanced.
Perhaps there is a role for trusted international mediators whose only agenda is the basic dignity of all. Pope Francis visited the country last year and delivered this message – perhaps his good offices could play a role in bringing the different peoples of Myanmar, of different races and religions, including the Rohingya, together in dialogue. For one thing is absolutely certain: if hatred, deeply entrenched in society but manipulated by Myanmar’s still powerful military, is not addressed, we will be lamenting “again and again” our failure to live up to our responsibility to protect.
Jan Figel is the European Union’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief outside the EU
Benedict Rogers is East Asia team leader at the human rights organisation CSW
The article is available here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/26/enough-talk-lets-have-action-on-rohingya-massacres-myanmar-rakhine-state
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Silence and indifference help the persecutors. The Colosseum in red can help to open hearts and mind
This weekend on 24 February at 6 p.m. Rome’s Colosseum will be bathed in red light to commemorate the blood of the Christian martyrs – particularly the martyrs of our own time. Simultaneously, both in Mosul, Iraq and in Aleppo, Syria, prominent symbolic buildings will be similarly illuminated, in union with the initiative. In Portugal too the Sanctuary of Christ the King in Almada, overlooking the city of Lisbon, will be lit up in red light in the same way.
“I truly appreciate this initiative, which is very relevant at this time and links past history with the present situation. Events like the illumination of the Colosseum can open people’s hearts and minds, awaken their interest in the subject of religious freedom and encourage them to show greater solidarity with those who suffer in this way.” With these words, Ján Figel, the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of religious freedom, expressed his support for the forthcoming initiative, organized by the international Catholic pastoral charity and pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
Among the senior figures who have announced their participation in the event in Italy are suchpersonalities such as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary-General of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Bishop Nunzio Galantino, and the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani.
ACN is organizing these initiatives to open the eyes of the world to the violations of religious freedom, which are all too often overlooked by the world media and the international community. An indifference likewise deplored by Ján Figel himself. “Unfortunately, the media and the politicians do not pay sufficient attention to this situation. This silence and indifference can only help those who commit these crimes and discriminate still further against their victims.”
Paul Bhatti, the brother of Shahbaz Bhatti, the Pakistani Minorities Minister assassinated on 2 March 2011, has also praised the initiative of ACN. “We cannot remain silent in the face of these brave people who have sacrificed their lives for their faith in Christ and for their fellow men”, he said. During the commemoration ceremony the faces of several of the Christian victims of persecution in our time will be projected onto the facade of the Colosseum, including that of Shahbaz Bhatti himself. “My brother gave his life, not only for the rights of Christians, but for those of all the minorities, including the Muslims”, Paul Bhatti remarked, recalling the work of the Pakistani minister, who was assassinated for his efforts to modify the so-called blasphemy laws. “It is a duty”, he added, “to pay homage to these martyrs by means of events such as this one and to honor their memory.”
The current absence of respect for religious freedom and freedom of worship is “alarming”, said the EU Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief. “Some 75% of the world’s population today lives in countries where there are grave and even extreme violations of this fundamental human right. And unfortunately this tendency is continuing to worsen. The denial of these rights is being exacerbated by intolerance and discrimination and persecution, even to the point of genocide.”
Reflecting on the heroism of these new martyrs is also a means of nurturing the faith of the West, said Magdalena Santoro, the sister of Father Andrea Santoro, the Catholic priest murdered in Turkey on 5 February 2006. “If my brother was concerned for the few Christians still remaining in Turkey, who suffer serious limitations in the practice of their faith, he was still more concerned at the lack of faith in the West. ‘You don’t know what you’re losing’, he used to tell us, every time he visited us in Italy.”
Ján Figel concluded: “There are many stories of this kind which are a great source of inspiration for us all. One figure particularly dear to me is Saint Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish priest who offered his life in the Auschwitz concentration camp to save the life of another man.”
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European Commission Special Envoy Ján Figeľ says Pakistan can change!
KARACHI: Ján Figeľ European Union Special Envoy for promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU spoke at Alliance Française de Karachi on Towards an Education System for Human Rights and Pluralism.
The Envoy, while maintaining that education is the most influential tool to change society, insinuated towards nexus between fundamentalism and madrassas in Pakistan.
During his talk Ján Figeľ stressed on the importance of accepting diversity while working for oneness and mused: “A creative artist does not copy!”
He noted that ignorance (lack of knowledge and education), indifference and lack of courage (fear) were hindering pluralism.
Pointing out that those problems could be overcome via reconciliation efforts by courageous leaders as is evident in the case of France and Germany, he stressed “it is not a fairytale, it works”!
On being told that in Pakistan religion was being manipulated for maintaining political power, Ján Figeľ conceded that state-power was being hijacked by religious parties.
Warning that extremists were defining ‘who we are‘ and ‘who they are‘, he said that credible religious leaders should educate masses that hatred is against the religion.
Special Envoy, while stating that there were 244m migrants all over the world, told that 65m of them were forced to migrate.
Commending Pakistan for accommodating 3m Afghans the Special Envoy stated that Pakistan might and can change!
When reminded by this scribe that it was the West that had created and nurtured Talibaans as a force against Soviets (who had invaded Afghanistan in an effort to reach the warm waters), the European Commission Special Envoy Ján Figeľ said that EU could not be held responsible for all that had been done by others in the history.
Answering to another query he said that status quo – as desired by powers with vested interests – should not prevail.
He said that meeting between Pope and the Jama al-Azhar Grand Mufti propagated a message that was not possible via volumes of fatwaz!
Article available here: https://www.newspakistan.tv/video-text-european-commission-special-envoy-jan-figel-sayd-pakistan-can-change/
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Respecting religious diversity
If one looks around thoroughly and with respect to reality and truth, we see an enormous and continuously growing volume of diversity : stones in nature, trees and even leaves on the same type of trees in the woods, animals of all species. The same is true about humankind: nobody is identical with billions of our fellow humans; the same differentiation can be traced with other billions of our predecessors who one living has already died. Son is different from his father and a daughter from her mother.
Everybody in the world is, was, and will be a unique, original, authentic person (I hope we do not start an era of cloning of human beings). One can clearly state: Each person is different, represents a unique identity. Diversity in nature and among people is the defining principle, is given as a fact to be explored and to share with others. Diversity is not a problem, but quite the opposite: enriching gift inviting us to build unity in diversity . Unity is far from uniformity. As we know, uniformity is based on copying, on the loss of creativity and freedom. The creator creates, and the creative artist does not copy. It is the same in nature as it is in arts.
The diversity of humans can be seen in many factors, like gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, etc. But something important and decisive remains the same: the dignity of each person with its inalienable fundamental rights starting with the right to life. This equality is another universal principle, which is valid for all – for children of a royal family or a homeless one. We are equal in dignity whether we have been born in Pakistan or Slovakia, Africa or America. Nobody is more than others in dignity. Those who oppose this universal message are protagonists of a superiority based on some differences, like race, religion, nation and so on. This superiority has led humankind repeatedly in its history to tragedies, to regional or global wars. It starts with artificial divisions and prejudices in society, leads to politics of supremacy and to rule over the people instead to rule for people and through people. Prejudices and dominations bear injustice, violence, and conflicts. We in Europe remember the very bloody, totalitarian 20th Century. The best way to avoid repetitions of tragedies is to care for peace, justice, dignity and common good for all. That´s why there is the European Union since 60 years. And the narrative, the motto of this Union is “unity in diversity”.
In today´s world, we need more than before to learn actively how to live together in diversity . To live means more than to exist. As the EU Special Envoy for Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) I am looking forward to visiting Pakistan, an important EU partner country. I would like to stress why respect for religious diversity and culture of dialogue and tolerance is a key to peace, social justice, cohesion and prosperity of any country.
Firstly, because we all are born free and equal in dignity, whether born in a family of believers or non-believers, in a family of majority or minority religion. FoRB represents freedom of thought, conscience, religion or conviction. And this deepest personal freedom is the expression of our personal dignity.
Secondly, the status of FoRB in each society is a litmus test of all fundamental human rights. Because if FoRB is restricted, then civil and political rights are restricted as well. And the other way around, enjoyment of FoRB demonstrates respect for other rights and freedoms in society.
Thirdly, FoRB is much more important for the wellbeing of the whole society than for a religion to survive and develop. Totalitarian past of the Soviet system was initiated precisely 100 years ago through Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 in Russia. Religions in the Central and Eastern Europe survived decades of heavy-handed oppression and they are visible in present public life. But society suffered via terrible class fight and divisions, ideological indoctrination, forced deportations, millions of innocent people died or ended in gulags (mass prisons). FoRB is crucially important for good governance, justice and peaceful, comprehensive, sustainable development of each society. Such society has a chance to prosper.
We should never disrespect others or neglect justice for all. As we know, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Working together for human dignity is a must if we want to live in better Century, in better world. Allies of evil in our times are multifaceted. But three of them are very dispersed around and at the same time are very influential. These are ignorance, indifference and fear. Let us never give up and let us work together for common good. It has also influential and accessible allies – opponents of the previous siblings: education, responsibility and courage. We need to show mature citizenship to stand up for the weak and marginalized to express together that we are all equal in dignity. Without abandoning importance of our different, diverse identities we must move on from politics of identity towards mature ethics of our responsibility. And positive fruits will follow, surely.
Ján Figeľ gave a keynote speech and discussed with the audience at the closing event of the Human Rights Cinematography Film Festival on December 10, 2017 in Islamabad
The article in English is available here: http://nation.com.pk/10-Dec-2017/respecting-religious-diversity
Also available in Urdu: http://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/mazamine/10-Dec-2017/723129
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Europe must be built on responsible freedom, EU religious freedom envoy says
Credit: European People’s Party via Flickr CC BY 2.0
Vatican City, Nov 16, 2017 / 09:00 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The European Union’s special envoy for religious freedom has called for “responsible freedom,” in the wake of the Vatican-based (Re)Thinking Europe conference, held Oct. 27 – 29 in the Vatican. In an interview with CNA, EU Special Envoy Jan Figel stressed that “Christians should contribute to a free and one, reconciled and united Europe, by their active responsibility on all levels of public life.” He underscored that “responsible freedom is what we all need. Without responsibility, freedom remains immature, or even ceases to exist, becoming an easy victim of populism extremism or even suffer for various ideology.” A former EU Commissioner for School and Education, Jan Figel was appointed in May 2016 as the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief outside the European Union. Figel is a native of Slovakia, and a well-known figure in Slovakian and European politics.
The appointment of an EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom was announced in 2016, after Pope Francis was awarded the Charlemagne Prize by EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker. The Pope stressed the importance of protecting religious freedom when he received the prize.
As special envoy, Figel took part in last month’s (Re)Thinking Europe gathering, which brought European leaders together to reflect on the culture, heritage, and future of the continent. Figel said the conference was an occasion to discuss religious freedom in Europe, and around the globe. “Freedom is a great human gift and phenomenon, but without responsibility it is not sustainable,” Figel told CNA. “Freedom needs maturity via active citizenship. We are free to choose, to decide, but only by seeking the common good will we strengthen our freedom. Decisions opposed to the freedoms and fundamental rights of others weaken or even eliminate overall freedom in society,” he added. On the other hand, Figel said, “responsible freedom recognizes and respects duties and obligations together with rights. Our modern sense of unilateral, rights-only ‘freedom’ undermines and erodes the freedom of a whole society. My rights are possible and achievable only by respecting my obligations towards the others and towards the community I live in. This balanced attitude represents mature acting, and builds up responsible freedom”. Figel emphasized that “Christians have been very active in the process of European integration. Their political contribution was unquestionable, even decisive through leaders like Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi, Monet and others.” “Today Christians should not stay aside or lament over the situation, but the opposite, they should bring again what is missing and needed for European renewal: fundamental values, personal commitment and spirit of unity. These contributions cannot be generated by the market, by the euro or by geography. They are fruits of responsible freedom, sense of solidarity and goodwill, and of reasonable, true solutions of problems,” he said. “Europe knows very well two distinct lines of social evolution through the lessons of the twentieth century. And therefore Europe should embrace and promote the essential value of freedom of religion or belief much more actively.” Figel explained that “freedom of religion is a litmus test of all human rights, because if this is disregarded, other political and civil rights are restricted as well. I can speak a lot about this lesson from experiences in communist Czechoslovakia and in the Soviet bloc countries.” While Figel’s mandate concerns promoting religious liberty outside of Europe, he spoke with CNA about Europe’s own struggles to secure freedom of religion. According to the 2016 Aid to the Church in Need Report for Religious Freedom in the World, religious liberty continues to be threatened in several European nations.
Jan Figel noted that “internal and external EU policies are two parts of the same community agenda. Therefore more attention, fair engagement in favor of freedom of religion internationally can help to renew European commitment at home. This is one of the reasons why my mandate as special envoy is oriented outside the EU, but at the same time connected with the Lisbon Treaty.” The Lisbon Treaty is an international agreement that is the legal basis for the European Union. The treaty calls for dialogue and respect between EU nations and churches, religious associations and philosophical and non-confessional organizations. Figel told CNA that Pope Francis is an important figure for the protection of religious liberty in Europe. He said that the Pope “clearly understands the importance of freedom of religion for Europe, but for global development as well.” Figel praised the Pope’s recognition of “dignity, justice, solidarity and dialogue” as pillars of European identity.
“I see how important these principles and pillars are becoming for Europe and for the world as well,” he said. Figel said that “human dignity is the first and foundational value for people everywhere, especially after a century of genocides, starting in Armenia one hundred years ago, up to mass atrocities recently committed by ISIS. Peace is the fruit of justice. To work for justice, especially at the UN institutions, is the best war-preventive measure.” He added that the Pope’s principles “are needed if contemporary Europe is to become true the holder of its destiny, leader of humanity, protector of democracy, and example of universal solidarity. And such a Europe will serve as a source of hope and integral humanism for both its people and for the world. This is message of Robert Schuman and of EU’s founding fathers to our generation. I share this dream and vision”. As Europe begins to understand its identity, Figel said, “then reasonable reforms and policies must follow, responding to for today´s wave of frustration, populism and extremism.”
Figel said that now is the time for Europe to “shift from politics of identities to the ethics of responsibilities, without abandoning the importance of any identity, without questioning the diversity of our cultures, nations and religions. Unity, but not uniformity, based on equal dignity of all people is both a noble vision and a practical need. Christians and the Church historically offered a tremendous spiritual inspiration, a treasury of experience, and good tools to build and promote such a reconciled human community.”
Article available here: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/europe-must-be-built-on-responsible-freedom-eu-religious-freedom-envoy-says-32918
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Ján Figeľ’s speech at Forum Paix et Sécurité Pan-Africain in Dakar, Senegal
In my speech, I want to address three issues: i) EU approach to resilience, ii) EU approach to counter-radicalisation and iii) importance of freedom of religion or belief and interreligious dialogue
1) EU approach to resilience
- In June 2017, the EU presented a new strategy for more resilient states and societies around the world, promoting a more structural and long-term approach to vulnerabilities, with the aim to prevent them to turn into crisis.
- It is based on the EU global strategy, which speaks of resilience as “a broad concept encompassing all individuals and the whole of society” that features “democracy, trust in institutions and sustainable development, and the capacity to reform”. Support to resilience at all levels is also an integral part of the new European Consensus on Development.
- The European Union’s unique contribution to stability in the Sahel region is a good example of this resilience approach: European humanitarian aid helps to manage the immediate crisis of displaced people, while our development cooperation tackles the longer-term root causes of poverty, by supporting complementary actions for job creation, access to education, governance, health and climate mitigation.
- In addition, the EU is a security provider to the region. The EU supports the G5 Sahel Joint force, with the aim to fight terrorism and enhance cross-border cooperation. All of these actions support the resilience of the region.
- Identifying and building upon existing positive sources of resilience is as important as tracking and responding to vulnerabilities. Such factors may take the form of institutionalised or informal democratic and good governance or justice systems, non-state institutions and organisations, embedded cultural norms and practices or ad hoc community-driven solutions that complement state capacities or compensate for their absence. Resilience has to be addressed at multiple levels – state, society and community.
- This is an important aspect in the context of the specific challenge of strengthening the resilience of societies against terrorism and violent extremism.
2) EU approach to counter-radicalisation
- Radicalisation is the first step potentially to violent extremism and terrorism – but there is no automaticity. Addressing the causes of radicalisation and terrorist recruitment is a key priority for the EU. The pull and push factors that determine the drivers of radicalisation classically can be structural, individual and enabling factors; they are on the one hand almost everywhere identical, but at the same time also much depend on specific local circumstances. Radicalisation happens locally but concerns whole societies and leaves roles and responsibilities for each, also governments.
- The EU’s counter-radicalisation strategy was updated in 2016 and now lists the following measures requiring action: (i) still the need to understand; (ii) the need to bring justice and security to all, (iii) the need for voices of mainstream and common values to prevail; (iv) the need for governments to enhance their communications; (v) the support to counter narratives; (vi) engagement with front line professionals such as teachers, psychologists etc; (vii) the building of resilience; (viii) the countering of online radicalisation and (ix) reinforced rehabilitation and disengagement programmes.
- This strategy is firmly rooted in the UN framework and standards set, notably the UN Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) Action Plan to which we actively contributed and that the EU fully subscribes to and seeks to implement. The EU also gets inspiration of the work it does within the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) that has adopted an important document, the ‘Lifecycle of Radicalisation’ Toolkit with 9 best practice documents for each of the three phases of radicalisation: (i) prevention; (ii) detection/identification, (iii) rehabilitation/reintegration as well as (iv) cross cutting aspects.
- In its conclusions of 19 June 2017 on EU External Action on Counter-Terrorism, the European Council recalled that “The EU is particularly well positioned to counter terrorism and violent extremism in a unique and integrated manner with the extensive set of instruments at its disposal. These instruments allow the EU to address the root causes of radicalization, to support social and economic development, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights.”
- The EU mainstreams CVE into assistance programmes. Priority countries at present are the MENA region and the Arab world, but we also very actively engaged in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel . Main efforts consist in raising awareness of counter radicalisation, empower youth and women, provide training and mentoring where needed etc.
- The EU is also part of a small group called ‘Donor community of Practitioners on Development and PVE’ led by DK and the US that seeks to identify best practice in external assistance to resilience.
- In the conclusions of 19 June, the Council of 28 EU countries also called “for increased engagement in the field of P/Preventing Violent Extremism, including at the global level.” and for “particular focus” to “be placed on the role of women, youth, civil society, victims of terrorism, and religious and community leaders as change agents in society.”
- We have seen that in the area of countering violent extremism:
- investment in prevention is key and most urgent;
- involvement of front line practitioners too;
- the use of credible voices has proven very efficient;
- only a multi-agency and whole society approach bring tangible results;
- do tailor-made interventions based on solid research on the specific local context as this can differ quite a bit and thus the response has to match.
3) Freedom of Religion or Belief and Promotion of inter-religious dialogue
- The UNGA 71 (December 2016) EU FoRB resolution, in addition to maintaining the updates of previous years, explicitly refers to the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive community-based preventive approach, to fight against acts of terrorisms.
- An inclusive and participative approach to resilience against terrorism and violent extremism necessarily includes religious leaders, as these influential agents of change in their communities are best placed to counter religious justifications for violent extremism.
- The EU supports initiatives in the field of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in the spirit of openness, engagement, and mutual understanding, including in the framework of UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilisations, the Anna Lindh Foundation, and the Istanbul process.
Protection and Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief
- Inter-religious dialogue to foster mutual understanding and tolerance and build mutual trust goes hand in hand with the protection and promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief. EU is determinate to promote, in its external human rights policy, freedom of religion or belief as a right to be exercised by everyone everywhere, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and universality. The limitations to FORB are in accordance with international standards and must be strictly interpreted. Limitations for other reasons, such as national security, are not permitted.
- The most specific EU financial tool with an explicit commitment to promote FoRB is the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). The EIDHR now covers FoRB-related activities in all regions of the world with around 40 FoRB related projects, accounting for more than 15,000,000 euros. Moreover, the 2017 global call for proposals will also address freedom of religion and belief, including the promotion of dialogue, and emphasising the role of religious and other leaders in these processes.
- The EU is strongly committed to continue to engage with international organisations in this area. Examples of cooperation are the Marrakesh Declaration of January 2016, which was a significant development in taking forward the principle of affirming the rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries and the Rabat Action Plan.
The EU believes that Freedom of religion or belief is fundamental Human Rights, which needs to be upholding for all and everywhere. This fundamental rights is so important because it is about human dignity which is at the core of the human rights agenda. Freedom of religion or belief is more important for societies and for good governance than for religions. History shows that religion always survive even in totalitarian regimes while societies suffer from divisions and persecutions. Peaceful and cohesive societies require this fundamental freedom to thrive.
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Religion and religious freedom in changing world
Video Speech for ASEAN Conference in Manila, the Philippines
Distinguished Manila Conference Participants and Guests,
First, I want to thank for the invitation. I wished to be with you in Manila but after the change of originally scheduled date I could not come.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Religion is with the humankind since the beginning of history. It connects man with his beliefs, with transcendence, but also relates and unites (latin religare) with others into a faith community.
84 % of the world population claim religious affiliation; this is an overwhelming majority.
FoRB is a litmus test of all human rights. It covers freedom of thought, conscience, religion, conviction and other freedoms. As the expansive right, it relates to freedom of assembly, association, expression. FoRB covers also non-believers and right to conversion. It can be implemented individually and collectively as well. Respect of HRs is not possible without respecting FoRB. All dictators, all terrorists are happy, when FoRB is restricted or non-existing. Four most inhumane dictators of 20 Century bloodily oppressed and violated FoRB – Hitler, Stalin, Mao-Ze Dong, Pol Pot. Half of my life I lived under totalitarian, atheistic Communist regime. I can tell you that FoRB is important not for religion to survive but for the good governance, justice and social life in peace and dignity for all!
Unfortunately, FoRB is under growing pressure, indicators are worsening. Let me share with you a reminder quoting recent statistic by the Pew Research Centre:
- In 2015 40% of countries had high or very high levels of restrictions, but they represent 74% of the world population!
- The percentage of countries with high or very high levels of social hostilities increased,
- Growing and widespread is government harassment of religious groups,
- Government use of force against religious groups increased as well
- Non-state militant actors are growing in numbers and horrible consequences[4] : Taliban, ISIS, Al Nusra, Boko Haram…
The critical situation of religious minorities is in many regions and countries of the world (North Korea, Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Myanmar,…) There are new worrying trends in Indonesia, India, Philippines, new concerns over Russia, which recently banned activities of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The recent Report of the UN rapporteur on FoRB (A. Shaheed) draws our attention on the following:
• Almost half of countries have laws penalizing blasphemy, apostasy or defamation of religion.
• In 22 countries, there still is a use of death penalty for apostasy, in at least 13 countries a capital punishment for atheists.
The scale of FoRB restrictions goes from intolerance through discrimination, persecution up to genocide.
Main messages:
1) FoRB situation is critical in many parts of the world, and
2) Trends are negative
Moreover: Migration (voluntary and forced) has reached record high numbers
WORLD IS REALLY CHANGING! If we want to improve the global situation and global trends, we need to embrace credible change: to overcome ignorance and illiteracy, prejudices, divisions and work for peace, justice, sustainable development and human dignity for all and everywhere.
War crimes, crimes against humanity and even genocides accuse dictators and authoritarian regimes, but in some way also entire international community – from inefficiency, from slow or no action whatsoever.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Evil has strong, influential allies, well placed everywhere. We all know them very well. Tree evil-allies are decisive:
IGNORANCE – When we do not know and are not interested to know.
INDIFFERENCE – If we do not care.
FEAR – When we are scared, afraid to say or to do anything on behalf of voiceless or defenseless people, in favor of truth, justice and humanity.
Here I see special role of RBO, civil society, state institutions and families.
First, we should not fail – as we did in the past – to deliver on our promises, commitments, duties, responsibilities, to abandon again the persecuted, accept impunity of criminals. Human rights will not work without responsible international community, mature citizenship and vigilant institutions of law enforcement.
Therefore, we have to invest into and support civic EDUCATION and ETHICS OF RESPONSIBILITY. These are antidotes of ignorance, indifference and fear.
Secondly,
We need to understand that RELIGION IS PART OF SOLUTION, AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM (FoRB) IS A GREAT, and IMPORTANT TOOL FOR POSITIVE CHANGE.
I am convinced, for example, that without a strong contribution of faith-based actors we cannot fulfill objectives of UN SDGs 2030.
WHEN I speak about FREEDOM, I always mean RESPONSIBLE, MATURE FREEDOM. Freedom without responsibility will not work or exist. Three points I would like to suggest:
a) Common good instead of superiority and supremacy
Win-win policy instead of winner takes all is the approach to be preferred if we want to achieve better, more humane century. Principle of common good leads from Common Ground – Common Interests – Common Victory and Future
The mentality of superiority (s. of my nation, my country, my religion, my race, my tribe …) tends towards politics of supremacy, in worse case even to ideology of superiority. From an ideology, there is a shortcut to prejudices, unequal treatment, hatred and violence.
b) From politics of identities to politics of responsibilities
I am convinced that the amalgamation of terrorism and religion is wrong, and no Holy Scripture or religious tradition should be held accountable for the horrible actions some fanatic and obscure militant groups perpetrate in the name of that religion.
However, words of political leaders do not hold the same authority as the public statements of faith leaders when they publicly denounce political violence perpetrated in the name of God. (E.g., Pope Francis, Grand Mufti Al Tayyib of Al Azhar, DalaiLama and others on their levels).This is a shared responsibility, a goal we will only achieve working together – religious leaders, political decision-makers, lawmakers, judges, academics, journalists, civil society activists.
c) Fair civic state preserving peace, security, justice and good governance for all is needed
As religions are moving, societies changing, we indeed need to learn how to deal with cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. How to build cohesive and respectful societies. We need to learn TO LIVE IN DIVERSITY, not only to exist in diversity.
Religious literacy is a must for a shared society, a necessary competence for a good education and mature citizenship. Because uniformity and ignorance breeds intolerance. And from intolerance, there is a very short connection to radicalization and violent extremism. This we have to keep in mind especially with our children and young generation. There are many inspiring examples of successful educational and youth initiatives aimed at deradicalization.
Therefore, I welcome your professional commitment for FoRB promotion in SE Asian countries. I appreciate your international cooperation and spirit of shared responsibility. With many like-minded people, we welcome the Marrakesh and Beirut Declarations as well. We need to translate these positive commitments into daily life of people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The international community is determined to fight for freedom of religion. There are new signs coming from the EU, UN, OSCE, and International Parliamentarians Platform for FoRB, Commonwealth Initiative on FoRB, democratic countries, NGOs, advocacy and CSOs. We are convinced that religion is, in itself, a force for good; we know that the wide majority of the religious faithful are peace-loving, respectful of other peoples’ rights and fundamental liberties.
We, in European Union, strongly believe that it is possible to turn the situation around.
The World is indeed changing, and change as well brings with it a worrying level of uncertainty, even conflict. However, there is one thing that should not change – our shared commitment to upholding human dignity for all and everywhere and to protect fundamental human rights.
I thank you all for your work and cooperation on this and I wish you successful conference days.
