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
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.”
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.
Osobitný vyslanec Európskej únie pre náboženskú slobodu vo svete Ján Figeľ v rozhovore pre vatikánsku agentúru CNA vyjadruje svoje názory na najdôležitejšie hodnoty, ktorých sa má Európska únia držať. Hovorí o nedávnej konferencii „Premyslime Európu“, o práci na poli náboženskej slobody na kontinente i vo svete a o úlohe kresťanov v prinášaní novej zanietenosti pre dobro všetkých.
Titulná snímka: Ján Figeľ so študentami z Nigérie, kde pôsobí militantné hnutie Boko Haram, na Konferencii o prenasledovaní kresťanov v Budapešti. (október 2017)
SLOBODU POSILŇUJEME HĽADANÍM SPOLOČNÉHO DOBRA
Ako by ste vysvetlili termín „zodpovedná sloboda“?
Kedy nie je sloboda zodpovedná? Sloboda je veľkým darom a fenoménom človeka. Ale bez zodpovednosti je neudržateľná, ba môže sa aj vytratiť. Sloboda potrebuje zrelosť vo forme aktívneho občianstva. Môžeme si slobodne vyberať a rozhodovať sa, ale svoju slobodu posilňujeme len hľadaním spoločného dobra. Ak volíme rozhodnutia v protiklade so slobodami a základnými právami iných, oslabujeme či dokonca ničíme celkovú slobodu v spoločnosti.
Zodpovedná sloboda spolu s právami tiež uznáva a uskutočňuje povinnosti a záväzky. Moderné trendy jednostrannej mentality, ktoré sa orientujú iba na práva, podkopávajú a narúšajú celkovú slobodu spoločnosti. Moje práva sú možné a dosiahnuteľné iba tak, že budem dodržiavať svoje povinnosti voči ostatným a voči komunite, v ktorej žijem. Tento vyvážený prístup predstavuje zrelé konanie a buduje zodpovednú slobodu.
Tento výrok použil vo svojom príhovore na záver konferencie Rethinking Europe – Premyslime Európu kardinál Reinhard Marx, predseda Komisie biskupských konferencií Európskeho spoločenstva COMECE. Pozvanie zúčastniť sa tejto konferencie mi pripomenulo skutočnosť, že aj zriadenie tejto novej pozície pri Európskej únii, a tým aj moje súčasné poslanie, oznámil tiež práve vo Vatikáne predseda komisie Juncker pri príležitosti udelenia Ceny Karola Veľkého pápežovi Františkovi v máji 2016. Tento fakt symbolizuje historické prepojenie mojej agendy s Rímom a medzinárodnými snaženiami o budovanie mostov.
SLOBODA VYZNANIA JE LAKMUSOVÝM TESTOM ĽUDSKÝCH PRÁV
Ste osobitným vyslancom Európskej únie pre náboženskú slobodu. Ako by mala Európa viac posilňovať náboženskú slobodu vo svete?
Európa veľmi dôverne pozná dve línie vývoja, o ktorých ju poučili lekcie 20. storočia – línia mieru a slobody a línia vojny a totality. Preto by sa mala aktívnejšie držať základnej hodnoty slobody vyznania a presvedčenia, a to vo svete i vo svojom vnútri. Tá totiž zahŕňa slobodu myslenia, svedomia, náboženského vyznania a presvedčenia, ktoré sú vzácne a dôležité pre život a dôstojnosť každej osoby. Je lakmusovým testom všetkých ľudských práv, pretože ak sa nerešpektuje, tak sa okliešťujú aj iné politické a občianske práva. Bolo by možné o tom veľa hovoriť zo skúseností v komunistickom Československu a v krajinách sovietskeho bloku. V čase zlej globálnej situácie a zhoršujúcich sa trendov v mnohých krajinách a regiónoch sveta by mala Európa šíriť povedomie o dôležitosti slobody vyznania a náležitým spôsobom podporovať túto agendu. Znamená to vlastne výzvu konať proti prenasledovaniu a diskriminácii, zastaviť vojnové konflikty a pracovať na spravodlivejšom a rovnejšom prístupe k rôznym náboženským menšinám a komunitám. Je to naša zodpovednosť aj náš spoločný záujem.
KRESŤANIA BY MALI PRINÁŠAŤ DUCHA JEDNOTY
Konferencia sa uskutočnila pod názvom „Premyslime Európu“. Ako to dosiahnuť? Aké dojmy máte po tomto zhromaždení?
Zhromaždenie bolo veľmi užitočné a časovo aktuálne, pretože mnoho ľudí má opodstatnené obavy o budúcnosť európskej integrácie. Dôvera v projekt Európskej únie bola oslabená brexitom, rastúcou nestabilitou na kontinente a v jeho susedstve, prechádzaním cez desaťročie viacerých kríz – menovej, finančnej, ekonomickej, migračnej i politickej.
Kresťania boli veľmi aktívni v procese európskej integrácie. Ich politický prínos je nespochybniteľný, dokonca rozhodujúci prostredníctvom lídrov ako Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi, Monet a iní. Kresťania by ani dnes nemali ostať bokom alebo lamentovať nad situáciou, ale naopak – opäť prinášať to, čo chýba a čo je potrebné pre obnovu Európy: základné hodnoty, osobnú zanietenosť a ducha jednoty. Toto nedokáže dodať trh, euro ani geografia. Je to ovocie zodpovednej slobody, zmyslu pre solidaritu, dobrej vôle a rozumných, skutočných riešení problémov.
VIACERÉ KRAJINY ZVÝŠILI ZÁUJEM O OCHRANU NÁBOŽENSKEJ SLOBODY V EÚ
Vašou úlohou je presadzovať a obhajovať náboženskú slobodu mimo hraníc EÚ. Sú správy – mám teraz na mysli napríklad nedávnu správu ACN (Pomoc trpiacej Cirkvi) – ktoré zdôrazňujú ohrozenosť náboženskej slobody v rámci Európy. Akým spôsobom môže vaša činnosť pomôcť Európe prehodnotiť právo jej obyvateľov na náboženskú slobodu?
Vnútorné a vonkajšie politiky EÚ sú dvoma časťami rovnakej komunitnej agendy. Preto viac pozornosti a väčšia vonkajšia, medzinárodná angažovanosť, čo sa týka náboženskej slobody, môže pomôcť obnoviť európsku oddanosť náboženskej slobode doma. Toto je jeden z dôvodov, prečo je môj mandát osobitného vyslanca EÚ pre náboženskú slobodu vo svete orientovaný na krajiny mimo EÚ, ale zároveň prepojený s vnútorným dialógom s cirkvami podľa čl. 17 Zmluvy o EÚ.
Ostatné kolo vysokého pravidelného, transparentného a otvoreného dialógu s cirkvami a náboženskými komunitami na vysokej úrovni prebehlo 7. novembra v Bruseli. Zvolávateľom je prvý podpredseda Európskej komisie Franz Timmermans. Rovnako sa konajú stretnutia s nekonfesnými organizáciami.
Zintenzívnila sa tiež angažovanosť Európskeho súdu pre ľudské práva v Štrasburgu v týchto záležitostiach, a to nielen kvôli nárastu migrácie. Viaceré krajiny nominovali osobitných predstaviteľov a vyslancov alebo založili observatóriá na posilnenie ochrany a podpory náboženskej slobody – napríklad Nórsko, Fínsko, Dánsko, Taliansko. Veľmi oceňujem tieto novovzniknuté záväzky.
EURÓPA MÁ BYŤ PRÍKLADOM UNIVERZÁLNEJ SOLIDARITY
Dialóg, inklúzia, solidarita, rozvoj a mier sú piatimi piliermi, na ktorých treba postaviť Európu, hovorí pápež František. Súhlasíte s ním? Existuje pilier, ktorý by ste pridali?
Hoci pápež František pochádza z Latinskej Ameriky, jasne rozumie dôležitosti spoločnej európskej budúcnosti pre starý kontinent, ale aj pre globálny rozvoj. Rád by som zdôraznil dôstojnosť, spravodlivosť, subsidiaritu, solidaritu a dialóg. Vo svojej súčasnej pozícii a ako bývalý európsky komisár pre vzdelanie, kultúru a mládež zblízka pozorujem rastúcu dôležitosť týchto princípov a pilierov pre Európu a tiež pre svet.
Ľudská dôstojnosť je prvou a najdôležitejšou hodnotou pre ľudí kdekoľvek, zvlášť po storočí genocíd, počnúc genocídou Arménov pred sto rokmi až po masové vraždy vykonávané bojovníkmi ISIS na kresťanoch, jezídoch a ďalších menšinách na Blízkom východe v posledných rokoch.
Mier je ovocím spravodlivosti, preto zlepšenie a zintenzívnenie úsilia pre spravodlivosť, vrátane a najmä v inštitúciách Organizácie spojených národov, je najlepšou prevenciou vojnových konfliktov.
Subsidiarita je alternatívnym menom pre slobodu a dobre organizovanú vnútroštátnu a medzištátnu spoluprácu. Je to aj kľúčový princíp cirkevného sociálneho učenia. EÚ sa musí učiť tomuto princípu lepšie, ako tomu bolo v nedávnej minulosti. Princíp subsidiarity je dôležitý pre obnovu vzájomnej dôvery – medzi štátmi a inštitúciami EÚ a jej občanmi.
Solidarita predstavuje spojivo v múroch nášho európskeho domu. Bez solidarity sa tento dom rozpadne. Rozumná, efektívna solidarita prichádza po subsidiarite. Solidarita so zraniteľnými a tými, ktorí sa ocitli na okraji spoločnosti, je vzájomne výhodnou investíciou proti chudobe, rozdeleniu a extrémizmu. Tieto princípy reprezentujú základ spoločného dobra, ktorého podpora dnes tak často chýba v medzinárodných a národných politikách.
A napokon, dialóg reprezentuje kultúru otvorenosti, učenie sa o ostatných a súcit s ľuďmi a svetom.
Tieto princípy sú potrebné, ak sa má Európa v 21. storočí stať naozajstným držiteľom svojho osudu, lídrom ľudskosti, ochrancom demokracie a príkladom všeobecnej solidarity. A takáto Európa bude slúžiť ako zdroj nádeje a integrálneho humanizmu pre svojich ľudí i pre svet. Toto je odkaz Roberta Schumana a otcov – zakladateľov EÚ našej generácii. Zdieľam s nimi tento sen a víziu.
NIE SME TU TURISTAMI, SME OBČANMI
Po dvoch dňoch stretnutí je na mieste otázka: Čo bude ďalej? A osobne, čo budete robiť vy, aby ste postupne implementovali ciele, ktoré ste si počas týchto stretnutí stanovili?
Takéto zhromaždenia a dialógy by sa mali organizovať pravidelne, a to na európskej i národnej úrovni, napríklad raz za dva roky. Túto iniciatívu by mali prevziať národní politickí lídri a lídri cirkví, experti a laici. Európa nie je dôležitá len v Bruseli, Štrasburgu alebo Vatikáne; je dôležitá pre perspektívu našich krajín, regiónov a predovšetkým pre všetkých svojich občanov. EÚ začala ako projekt elít; dnes je viac a viac v rukách ľudí. Preto budúcnosť tohto bezprecedentného projektu by mala byť aj viac prítomná v mysliach a srdciach ľudí. My tu nie sme ako turisti na návšteve Európskej únie, sme jej občanmi so svojimi právami a slobodami, no i povinnosťami a zodpovednosťami. Zmysel integrácie sa realizuje prostredníctvom férovej participácie, teda účasti na jej chode.
Chvályhodná iniciatíva biskupskej komisie COMECE podporená Svätou stolicou pri príležitosti 60. výročia Rímskych zmlúv nemôže ostať izolovanou a príležitostnou. Dôležitosť miesta, času a obsahu bola potvrdená i prítomnosťou Svätého Otca Františka a vysokého počtu účastníkov z krajín a inštitúcií EÚ. Teraz potrebujeme diskutovať o týchto problémoch aj na národnej úrovni a sústrediť sa na riešenia pre sektory, ako sú životné prostredie, bezpečnosť, migrácia, rozvoj a podobne.
Európa potrebuje dušu, nemôže byť naďalej len ekonomickou alebo technickou komunitou. Kultúrne korene, základne hodnoty, evanjeliová inšpirácia a zmysel pre bratstvo by mali inšpirovať naše rozhodnutia a skutky pre spoločné dobro. Sú potrebnejšie a prinášajú aj viac ovocia než lamentovanie nad vývojom alebo opakujúce sa polemiky. Deficit jednoty a slabá duchovná dimenzia Európskeho spoločenstva je pozvaním pre všetkých kresťanov a ostatných veriacich, aby prispeli a boli jeho aktívnymi účastníkmi so svojimi talentami, potenciálmi, vedomosťami, skúsenosťami a zodpovednosťou na rôznych úrovniach.
Otázkou doby nie je viacrýchlostná Únia alebo jej rozmanitá geometria. Problémom je jej orientácia – Quo vadis, Európa? Keď si jasne zadefinujeme orientáciu a budeme ju konsenzuálne zdieľať, potom musia nasledovať rozumné reformy a stratégie, eliminujúce priestor pre dnešnú vlnu frustácie, populizmu a extrémizmu.
Dozrel čas na zmenu a posun od politiky identít k etike zodpovednosti bez toho, aby sme prestali uznávať dôležitosť akejkoľvek identity, bez spochybňovania rozmanitosti našich kultúr, národov a náboženstiev. Jednota, ale nie uniformita, založená na rovnakej dôstojnosti všetkých ľudí je šľachetnou víziou aj praktickou potrebou. Kresťania a Cirkev nadobudli počas histórie nesmiernu duchovnú inšpiráciu, bohatstvo skúseností a vhodné nástroje na budovanie a šírenie takéhoto zmiereného ľudského spoločenstva.
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.
L’inviato UE per la libertà religiosa con il Cardinale Reinhard Marx durante il convegno (Re)Thinking Europe
CITTÀ DEL VATICANO , 06 novembre, 2017 / 9:00 AM (ACI Stampa).
La necessità di esercitare una libertà responsabile. Il rafforzamento del tema della libertà religiosa, non solo al di fuori dei confini dell’Unione Europea, ma anche al suo interno. L’importante contributo cristiano alla costruzione di una nuova Europa. Jan Figel, inviato speciale dell’Unione Europea per la Promozione della Libertà Religiosa al di fuori dell’UE dipana questi temi in una esclusiva ad ACI Stampa.
“I cristiani – afferma al termine dell’incontro – dovrebbero contribuire a costruire una Europa libera, unica, riconciliata ed unita attraverso la partecipazione a tutti i livelli della vita pubblica. Abbiamo bisogno di una libertà responsabile, perché senza la responsabilità, la libertà resta immatura, o cessa addirittura di esistere, diventando facile vittima di populismi, estremismi, o al limite patendo l’influsso di varie ideologie”.
Cosa intende per libertà responsabile?
La libertà è un grande dono per l’uomo. Ma senza responsabilità, la libertà non è sostenibile Quasi scompare. La libertà ha bisogno dunque di maturità attraverso la cittadinanza attiva. Siamo liberi di scegliere e di decidere, ma solo guardando al bene commune rafforziamo la nostra libertà. La scelta di decisioni contro le libertà e i diritti fondamentali di altri indebolisce o persino elimina la libertà globale della società.
Quindi come si struttura la libertà responsabile?
La libertà responsabile riconosce e realizza doveri e obllighi con i diritti. Le attuali tendenze di una mentalità unilaterale, basata solo sui diritti, minacciano ed erodono la libertà di tutta la società. I miei diritti, invece, sono possibili e raggiungibili solo se rispetto i miei obblighi nei confronti degli altri e della comunità in cui vivo. Questa attitudine bilanciata rappresenta l’azione matura, e costruisce la libertà responsabile.
Lei è inviato speciale per la libertà religiosa. Cosa può fare l’Europa per sostenere la libertà religiosa nel mondo?
L’Europa conosce molto bene, attraverso le lezioni del 20esimo secolo,. Perciò, l’Europa dovrebbe abbracciare il valore essenziale della Libertà di Religione e di Credo in maniera più attiva sia fuori che all’interno dell’Europa, perché questa rappresenta la libertà di pensiero, di coscienza, di religion e convinzione, così cara e importante per la vita di ciascuno e la dignità personale.
Perché la libertà religiosa è così importante?
Perché la libertà religiosa è il banco di prova per tutti i diritti umani, perché se questo diritto viene a mancare, gli altri diritti politici e civili sono ristretti allo stesso modo. Potrei, da slovacco, parlare molto di questo, sulla base delle esperienze nella ex Cecoslovacchia e nelle nazioni del blocco soveitico.
Lei è inviato per la promozione della libertà religiosa al di fuori dell’Europa. Ma i rapport sulla libertà religiosa raccontano di una libertà religiosa sempre più a rischio anche nel cuore dell’Europa. Cosa dovrebbe fare l’Europa oggi?
L’Europa dovrebbe avere più consapevolezza del tema della libertà religiosa e promuovere l’agenda della libertà religiosa in un modo ancora più coerente. Eppure, oggi vediamo una situazione globale molto negativa, e allo stesso tempo ci sono tendenze di peggioramento in molte nazioni e regioni del mondo. In realtà, questo significa l’invito a fermare le persecuzioni, la discriminazione e i conflitti violenti, e lavorare per creare più giustizia e una trattamento chiaro delle differenti fedi minoritarie e comunità. Questa è sia nostra responsabilità e commune interesse. Le politiche interne ed esterne dell’Unione Europea sono in realtà due parti della stessa agenda comunitaria.
In che modo si integrano?
Più attenzione e chiaro impegno a favour della libertà di pensiero e religion a livello internazionale possono aiutare a rinnovare l’impegno europeo per la libertà religiosa nei suoi confine. Questa è una delle ragioni per cui il mio mandato da Inviato Speciale è orientate al di fuori dell’Unione Europea, ma allo stesso tempo è connesso con l’articolo 17 del Trattato di Lisbona, che parla del dialogo tra UE e religioni.
In che modo l’Europa dovrebbe essere rivista? Quali sono le impressioni che hai alla fine di questo incontro?
L’incontro è stato molto opportune e utile, perché molte persone sollevano preoccupazioni giustificate riguardo il futuro dell’integrazione europea. La fiducia nel progetto dell’Unione Europea è stato indebolito dalla Brexit, dalla crescent instabilità nel continente e nel nostro vicinato, passando attraverso un decennio di crisi dalle molte faccio – monetaria, finanziaria, economica, migratoria, politica.
Quale è il ruolo dei cristiani?
I cristiani sono stati molto attivi nel processo dell’integrazione europea. Il loro contributo politico è fuori discussione. L’operato di leaers come Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi è stato decisive. Oggi i cristiani sono chiamati a non rimanere in disparate e lamentare la situazione, ma, all’opposto, devono riportare al centro ciò che manca ed è necessario per il rinnovamento europeo: valori fondamentali, impegno personale e spirito di unità. Sono contribute che non possono essere generate dal mercato, dall’euro o dalla geografia. Ci sono furttti della libertà responsabile, il senso di solidarietà e di buona volontà, che porta ad una ragionevole, vera soluzione dei problemi.
Sebbene venga dall’America Latina, il Papa comprende perfettamente l’importanza del futuro europeo non solo per questo continente, ma per lo sviluppo globale. I pilastri dell’Europa su cui vorrei soffermarmi sono quelli di dignità, giustizia, sussidiarietà, solidarietà e dialogo.
È questa la sua lista di superiorità?
Sì. Nel mio corrente incarico, ma anche in precedenza come Commissario Europeo per l’Educazione e la Cultura, vedo molto da vicino quanto questi principi e pilastri stiano sempre più diventando importanti.
In quale ordine?
La dignità umana è il primo e principale valore per i popoli ovunque, dopo un secolo di genocidi che è cominciato in Armenia ed è culminate con le atrocità di massa dell’ISIS di questi anni. La pace è il frutto della giustizia, e perciò c’è bisogno di lavorare meglio e di più per la giustizia, specialmente nelle istituzioni delle Nazioni Unite. Quindi, la sussidiarietà, che è il nome alternative della libertà e di una politica pubblica ben organizzata a livello internazionale. Questo è un principio chiave della Dottrina Sociale della Chiesa. L’Europa dovrebbe apprendere meglio questo principio, perché la sussidiarietà sarà importante per il rinnovo della fiducia mutual e istituzionale.
Quindi, la solidarietà…
Sì, perché la solidarietà rappresenta il cemento nelle mura della nostra casa europea. Senza solidarietà, la casa cadrà. Ragionevolmente, la solidarietà efficace è una conseguenza della sussidiarietà. La solidarietà con i vulnerabili e i marginalizzati è un investimento contro la poverà, le divisioni e l’estremismo che può solo dare frutti. Questi principi rappresentano le basi del bene commune, tem ache spesso manca nelle politiche nazionali e internazionali di oggi. Infine, il dialogo, che rappresenta la cultura di aperture, di comprensione degli altri, e di compassone per le persone del mondo.
Sono questi dunque i principi di cui c’è bisogno per l’Europa?
Sì, se l’Europa vuole essere davvero depositaria del suo destino, leader dell’umanità, protettore di democrazia ed esempio di solidarietà universal. E questa Europa servirà come una fonte di speranza e di umanesimo integrale sia per la gente che per il mondo. Questo è il messaggio di Robert Schuman e dei Padri Fondatori dell’Europa alla nostra generazione. E io condivido questo sogno e visione.
Quindi, ora quale è l’obiettivo?
Il problema non è l’Unione a più velocità, o la geometria variabile. Il problema è il modo in cui si orienta – Quo vadis, Europa? Questa è la domanda! Quando l’orientamento è chiaramente disposto e condiviso consensualmente, allora riforme ragionevoli e politiche devono seguire, eliminando lo spazio per questa onda di frustrazione, populismo ed estremismo. È il tempo di passare da una politica di identità all’etica di responsabilità, senza per questo abbandonare l’importanza di ciascuna identità e senza per questo metere in discussione la diversità delle nostre culture, nazioni e religioni. L’unità, non l’uniformità, basata sull’eguale dignità di ogni popolo è sia una vision nobile che un bisogno pratico. I cristiani e la Chiesa hanno storicamente accumulato una tremenda ispirazione spirituale, un tesoro di esperienza e bene che sono strumenti per costruire e promuovere ulteriormente una comunità umana riconciliata.
International Consultation on Christian Persecution – Finding the Appropriate Answers to a Long Neglected Crisis
Your Holiness, Beatitudes, Eminence, Excellencies, Minister, MPs,
Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Answers can be found successfully if we use our reason and if we seek COMMON GOOD! In the 21th Century either Common Good will prevail or IDEOLOGIES OF SUPERIORITY: superiority of a nation, a religion, a race, a social class… There are many important even tragic examples in the history of humankind. And as a consequence, either PEACE, JUSTICE, HUMANITY will prevail or hatred, violence and conflicts
Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary
True Christianity was always protagonist of common good, and became one of first victims of militant ideologies. We know this from our Czechoslovak or Hungarian or Soviet totalitarian past.
I am here as the first ever Special Envoy for promotion freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union. It is a fruit of martyrdom in the Middle East. Decision of President Juncker and Commission came out after the EP Resolution on mass atrocities on the territories of Iraq and Syria under ISIS dominance (February 2016). Daesh/ISIS is not a religion; it is brutal misuse of religion. As a terrorist organization it must be eliminated.
60-years old EU deals today more with FoRB, which is essential value. It represents freedom of conscience and human dignity for all and everywhere.
In recent years the EU started to build up agenda and tools around FoRB protection and promotion. In 2013 Council has adopted common Guidelines for foreign policy of 28 member states. After the last EP elections in 2014 the
EP Intergroup for FoRB and Religious Tolerance was established. I would like to commend work of Peter van Dalen, Dennis de Jong and other members.
Lars Adaktusson and Gyorgy Hölvenyi, very active members, are here with us today as well. As the EU Special Envoy I visited Iraq, Jordan, UAE, Sudan, and Morocco. These were meaningful and important missions. For example our engagement in Sudan has helped to the release of jailed Christians Petr Jašek, Revevend Taour, layman Abdumawla, prisoners of conscience, human rights defender Professor Mudawi and five other activists.
As a Special Envoy I established regular working relations with NGOs, Charities and faith-based organisations (FBOs). Likewise, we keep frequent dialogue with faith leaders from different religions and countries. I plan to visit Senegal, Egypt, Pakistan, Lebanon, hopefully also Myanmar, Iran… – to promote inter-faith dialogue and FoRB, religious literacy and education for pluralistic society, legislative reforms for religious and ethnic tolerance. We use more the main financial development instrument for this field – EIDHR (1.4 bn €), part of EU development aid. After 25 years of Lorenzo Natali Media Prize for development journalism there is a new segment – LN Prize for FoRB journalism, both professional and amateur.
I am glad that European Academy of Religion started to operate in historic Bologna, aimed at promotion of academic and scientific cooperation of many universities, faculties, institutes, chairs, journals from Europe, MENA countries and some other countries of the world.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Persecution of Christians today is unparalleled historically. There are many reports speaking on this. There are even books published with testimonies and stories. John Allen in his book Global War against Christians estimates that up to 100 thousand Christians are being killed annually for their faith in recent years. Moving evidence can be read in the book of Ruppert Shortt Christianophobia – A faith under attack.
Pew Research Centre (USA) tells us that Christians have been harassed in more countries than any other religious group and have suffered harassment in many of the Muslim-majority countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
It also signals that is important to read this against huge size and broad geographic dispersion of Christians around the world. Christians were harassed by governments or social groups in a total of 128 countries in 2015, i.e. in more countries than any other religious group.
We all agree that there is today a particular focus on persecution of Christian minorities in the Middle East – and for good reasons. Since 2014 there were even GENOCIDAL attacks made by the ISIS militants. The number of Christians is drastically decreasing here. This is a civilizational challenge.
But persecution rarely targets just one minority. As we see in Syria and Iraq, not only Christians, but also Yazidis, Shia-Muslims and other minorities are suffering from discrimination, harassment and persecution. There are plenty of examples : In Pakistan, Ahmadis suffer as well as Shias. In Sudan, Sufis. In Iran, the Baha’is, In Myanmar Rohingias are persecuted by Buddhist nationalists. In China, it is the Falun-gong, in India several minorities suffer discrimination, in North Korea all people of faith suffer from cruel dictatorship.
If a society allows for the persecution of one minority, it lays the ground for persecution of other minorities.
But, there are 2.3 billion Christians globally; it is more members than any other religious group. Roughly two-thirds of the world’s countries, for example, have Christian majorities! So, why there is such negative situation of Christians in many countries? My answer is: Because we are many times indifferent, ignorant or scared to say something on behalf of the voiceless and defenceless people and to do something for real justice. Evil has allies in each population. The most potent are the three of them: INDIFFERENCE, IGNORANCE, and FEAR.
What to do with this situation?
1) We must work better and more for peace and justice. Let us learn from the history and, as a minimum, avoid repetition of the mistakes.
As a Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee of the Slovak Parliament I did not voted in favour of the US-led invasion to Iraq in 2003, supported then by the Slovak Government. Then I felt, today I know, I was right. When I visited Iraq – Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil – this year, somebody told me: Christians in this country survived Arab conquest, Mongolian conquest and Otoman conquest, but may be definitely depleted by Bush-Blair invasion. Invasion led by Christian leaders! Patriarch Younan spoke here clearly about the chaos created afterwards.
Lesson? Wise use of military force in international relations, in line with international law; promote justice for all and everywhere, effectively prevent conflicts and especially mass atrocities. We must acknowledge that international community in the last Century – but also today – repeatedly failed in three “P”s delivery. To PREVENT, PROTECT, PUNISH – to prevent mass atrocities and a genocide, to protect victims of such crimes against humanity, and to punish perpetrators of such crimes. And we fail again and again, while the promise was NEVER AGAIN!
Christians and religious minorities found themselves abandoned facing the cruelty of ISIS, as we heard from His Holiness Ignatius Afrem. It is crucial to stop war in Syria and look for political solution, and for stability, wiping out ISIS ideology and renewal in Iraq. Special responsibility is on the shoulders of the UN Security Council Permanent Members – US, Russia, China, UK, France. It is first of all the responsibility in protecting peace and security, more than honour to be a Permanent Member.
UN and democratic countries are invited to provide effective, timely, uncorrupted humanitarian aid, as this becomes matter of urgency and acute assistance on the conflict spots. And care much more for justice and rule of law, as peace is fruit of justice. Reconciliation without justice is not perceivable.
Unfortunately, UN SC is very slow in responding to justice in Iraq. While Iraqi Government requested support in investigation of ISIS crimes already in May 2016 request, approval of the resolution came only in September 2017!
Security and Reconstruction should follow the peace process, as pledging conferences on Iraq, Syrian London and Brussels respectively agreed on 6 bn US$ of financial support.
All refugees have right to return to their homes and property. But without security guaranteed IDPs will not return! Heavily destroyed cities of Mosul, Aleppo can be rebuild and renewed like Dresden or Stalingrad/Volgograd after WW2.
In reconciliation process special Role of Christians is envisaged. Remember that EU came into being as a fruit of reconciliation and due to specially Christian politicians active and founding leadership. Without Christian communities and societal contribution this region will not be what it historically was.
In the chaos which is today the Middle East, we cannot talk on persecutions targeting only Christians. What are going on is also an intra-Muslim conflicts between Sunnis and Shias and other ethnic and religious fractions.
There is a common threat today: the manipulation of religion. Ignorance fuels misperceptions and political mistakes. We have to build trust and defeat hatred and militant ideology of ISIS as well.
Bashar Matti Warda, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil, Iraq and Mgr Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Mosul
2) Work on equal citizenship and revisit the concept of minorities
Together with Archbishop Warda from Erbil and Hungarian Government I would like to put stress on education, as it is the most efficient tool to change man and society! Christian’s schools in many countries all over the world are considered top quality. In Pakistan for example the elite send their kids there. The same happens in Palestine. These schools are open to all. They are a laboratory for interreligious, peaceful cohabitation.
Different communities need relevant education for living together in diversity. We need to learn how to live together, not only to exist together. Optimal answer is shared society, in which responsibility is based on PARTICIPATION.
Defining principle for reconciled and shared society is EQUAL CITIZENSHIP, not particular religion or ethnicity. Idea of equal citizenship[4] is gathering consensus throughout religious and political affiliations. This is the recipe for Christians and for all communities in Iraq, Syria and in the Middle East.
In Kurdistan recently by law the term “minority” was replaced by “social component”. “Minority” has somehow a confrontational flavour; you read it “versus majority”. Syrian Christian leaders when we met advised to use term “communities”.
A long-term strategic approach to protect Christian and other religious communities must focus on changing those majority cultures and state structures that enable and encourage discrimination, harassment and persecution. Therefore we welcomed Marrakesh Declaration on these issues in Muslim majority countries. But it needs to be brought into practice.
I was pleased when I met Shia Grand Ayatollah Al Najafi and later on Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako to hear the same language – future Iraq as civil state! Fair secular state is a blessing for society. It is public space opener for plurality of relegions and beliefs. Unfair or false secular state closes down public space, tries to replace religion with secularism or other ideologies.
His Grace Bishop Ermia, General Bishop and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
3) Better cooperation and partnership is needed between the EU and Member States, international organisations, NGOs, CSOs, FBOs and religious leaders. This will create more synergy in reaching positive impact.
Due to many reasons there is growing importance of more direct cooperation with local faith communities.
I would like to praise work of many organisations in the conflict areas, particularly the ACN, Open Doors, CSW, Brot für die Welt, Knights of Columbus, L’Oeuvre d’Orient, SOS Chretiens d’Orient, and others.
I support and recommend cooperation with credible religious leaders and FBOs – Charities. Many times religious leaders posses more credibility, authority or stability than political leaders. They really can significantly contribute to peace, return of refugees, reconciliation.
HUNGARY & V4
Hungary is to be commended for this initiative, for HUNGARY HELPS Program, for awareness raising, students’ scholarships, school construction, reconstruction and development aid, etc. I congratulate to parliamentary Resolution denouncing the ISIS genocide adopted by consensus.
I thank Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Minister Zoltan Balogh, State Under-Secretary Tamás Törok and wish success to his new successor. We need more of such fruitful support for saving depleted Christian and other communities.
V4 cooperation under Hungarian Presidency should multiply this initiative and build national partnerships between Government and Churches and Charities and provide joint support to targeted communities in the Middle East countries or globally, where effective aid and reconstruction is needed. V4 format could be easily enlarged into regional approach. I have even suitable , inviting name for this: MIDDLE EUROPE HELPS MIDLE EAST! Cooperation will assist communities in need in the places of conflict, and show real people-to-people solidarity. And it would bring positive image for Visegrad countries in time of migration and refugee crisis and in time of European political disputes.
CONSCLUSION
I refuse concept of Clash of Civilizations. But there is a threat, even visible impact of a potentially big clash: CLASH OF IGNORANCES. IGNORANCE, INDIFFERENCE and FEAR are allies of evil. Opposites of them are EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT & COURAGE. All of them are present and promoted these days here at our Budapest meeting and activities.
Let us work against deficits of human responsibility and maturity. I wish these phenomena remain growing and becoming dominant in our societies and institutions of state power and bring positive fruits for Christians and other faith communities in the world.
Two distinguished Keynote speakers addressed participants from around the world assembled for the opening session of the 24th Annual International Law and Religion Symposium. In addition to an address by Ján Figeľ, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of religion or Belief Outside the European Union, those assembled at the J. Rueben Clark Law School and participants via webcast, were privileged to hear from András Sajó, Former Judge and Vice-President of the European Court of Human Rights.
The opening session commenced with the Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Brett G. Sharffs welcoming attendees and inviting them to reflect on the role religion can play in building peace, stability, and harmony or alternatively contributing to disunity and violence. BYU President Kevin J. Worthen, and Dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Gordon Smith, then also welcomed attendees, after which the Founding Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, W. Cole Durham Jr. introduced the Keynote speakers.
Ján Figeľ’s message focused on the political and social dimensions of religious freedom in a changing world. He expressed that freedom of religion or belief is the litmus test of all human rights because it is linked to a litany of other rights including freedom of thought, conscience, and conviction, as well as the right to assembly, association, and expression. As a consequence of this expansiveness, Figeľ explained “respect of human rights is not possible without respecting freedom of religion or belief.” Nevertheless, global statistics reveal a gloomy picture, as three-quarters of the world’s population live in countries where freedom of religion is highly restricted. The scale of these restrictions ranges from intolerance, to discrimination, to persecution, and even genocide. He expressed, “Society needs to learn to live in diversity, not just exist in diversity.” With the forced migration of a record number of people (245 million), it is time to think about religious climate change and to overcome ignorance, illiteracy, and divisions, and work for peace, justice, sustainable development, and human dignity for all. Figeľ explained peace is the fruit of justice, while warning that evil has three decisive allies: ignorance, indifference, and fear. These are combatted with courage, education, and responsibility. While the world is changing, resulting in uncertainty and conflict, Figeľ expressed that one thing should not and does not change: our shared commitment to upholding human dignity and protecting fundamental human rights.
Following Ján Figeľ’s remarks, András Sajó spoke of the detrimental effects on religious freedom resulting from a decline in liberty, dedicating his remarks to W. Cole Durham Jr. He identified three particular assaults on liberty including contemporary security concerns, the extension of the public sphere and government services, and the shift in the freedom to manifest religion from a matter of liberty toward being a matter of personal identity. Sajó related how historically, countries have justified security-based restrictions on religion as necessary to protect society against subversion or affronts to national identity. While some argue that radical religious teachings should be prohibited, the adoption of so-called subversive doctrines may destroy the current framework of protections for all religions. Sajó then turned to the problems related to the “cult of personal identity,” asserting that new human rights have been created in the last 20-30 years that have extended the public sphere and created a tension with religious rights. For instance, because religions command external action that overlaps with ordinary human conduct, such as conduct related to diet, appearance, and social interactions, freedom of religion increasingly comes into conflict with these new rights and the prevailing forms of public order, especially where public order is secularized. However, Sajó argues the state should respect religious demands on conduct as long as they are compatible with other peoples’ freedoms. That entails toleration of such practices even if that toleration may cause some emotional discomfort for others. Ordinary emotional discomfort cannot be sufficient grounds for restricting religious expression. Sajó concluded his message with a request for tolerance and by expressing his hope that participants in the democratic process would understand the moral superiority and practical advantages of the dictates of liberty.
by Melissa Hartman, BYU Law Student and Symposium Volunteer
