Category: Language

  • EU envoy on religious freedom: ‘Indifference, ignorance and fear’ are terror’s greatest allies

    EU envoy on religious freedom: ‘Indifference, ignorance and fear’ are terror’s greatest allies

    To mark his first anniversary in the role as the EU’s inaugural Special Envoy for the Freedom of Religion or Belief Outside the EU, EURACTIV.com interviewed Ján Figeľ about the headscarf ban, Islamist terrorism and growing up Catholic in a communist state.

    Ján Figeľ will also be speaking at EURACTIV’s Freedom of religion and belief beyond the EU borders event later this month.

    The video is available here: http://www.euractiv.com/section/freedom-of-thought/video/tuesday-lunchtime-eu-envoy-on-religious-freedom-mixed-feelings-about-ecj-headscarf-ban/

  • SUDAN: EU ENVOY CALLS FOR PRESIDENTIAL PARDON

    Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) welcomes the call by the European Union (EU) Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union for a presidential pardon for two men who are facing 12 years in prison in Sudan.

    Jan Figel raised the case of Reverend Hassan Abduraheem and Mr Abdulmonem Abdumawla while visiting Sudan from March 14 – 17 to promote freedom of religion or belief, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence of communities and better relations between Sudan and the EU.

    Despite their innocence, Reverend Abduraheem and Mr Abdumawla were convicted of assisting EU and Czech national Petr Jašek with espionage, inciting hatred between sects and the propagation of false news. Mr Jašek was pardoned and allowed to leave Sudan last month; however, Reverend Abduraheem and Mr Abdumawla remain in prison. Their case illustrates the politicization of the criminal justice system by the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) which, under the pretext of investigating national security crimes, has brought charges against members of the political opposition, human rights defenders and leaders of minority religions, as occurred in the case of Reverends Yat Michael and Peter Reith in 2015.

    During his visit, Mr Figel met with representatives of political, religious and civil society organisations and visited Nour Mosque and a Coptic Church. During a meeting with Sudanese legislators, Mr Figel raised the issue of church demolitions. At present 25 churches in the El Haj Yousif neighbourhood of Khartoum Bahri have been issued with a confiscation and demolition order on their buildings. The order was issued in August 2016, but only three of the 25 churches were notified. A complete list of affected churches was not disclosed until January 2017. The issue has been brought before the Khartoum Bahri Administrative Court which, on 13 March, announced the creation of a judicial committee to consider the case and reach a decision.

    The EU Special Envoy also discussed constitutional amendments and Sudan’s legal framework. The case of Meriam Ibrahim in 2014 highlighted the conflict between Sudan’s constitutional guarantees for freedom of religion or belief and a legal system that classifies apostasy as a criminal offence. The Sudanese parliament strengthened apostasy and blasphemy legislation in 2015, widening the definition of blasphemy and increasing the penalties for apostasy. Months after the amendment were passed, 25 Muslims were charged with apostasy. The case was withdrawn by the Ministry of Justice; however, no amendments have been made to the legislation.

    CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “We welcome and echo Mr Figel’s call for a presidential pardon for Reverend Abduraheem and Mr Abdumawla. Their continued imprisonment after Mr Jašek, the main defendant in their case, was pardoned and released amounts to an injustice. We also call on Sudan to protect all places of worship, including the 25 churches under threat of demolition. As the EU increases its engagement with Sudan through initiatives such as the Khartoum Process, we urge the EU to ensure that human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, are prioritised in all areas of cooperation.”

    The article is available here: http://www.csw.org.uk/2017/03/22/press/3483/article.htm

  • European envoy on freedom of religion or belief: Sudanese partners open to dialogue on religious diversity

    Jan Figel, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, visited Sudan from the March 14 to 17, 2017

    KHARTOUM, Sudan, March 20, 2017/APO/ —

    Jan Figel, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, visited Sudan from the March 14 to 17, 2017. The visit is to support cooperation in intercultural and interreligious dialogue, and to promote freedom of religion or belief and peaceful coexistence of different communities.

    The European Envoy met with members of the National Assembly and the Government including the ministers for Foreign Affairs and  Endowments and Guidance. Figel also met representatives of religious, political and civil society organisations. He gave a lecture at the Ahfad University for Women. He visited the National Human Rights Commission and Council of Islamic Fiqh, Nour Mosque, a Coptic Church and the Sufi ceremony in Omdurman.

    Figel said that the exchanges demonstrated readiness of Sudanese partners to engage in continuous and constructive dialogue on religious diversity in Sudan, Horn of Africa and globally. The Envoy discussed the constitutional amendments and their compliance with international human rights law, highlighting the importance that the legislative framework also reflects these standards. “A fair state must be organized around equal citizenship for all. Diversity enriches while uniformity weakens societies,” said Jan Figel.

    More: https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/european-envoy-on-freedom-of-religion-or-belief-sudanese-partners-open-to-dialogue-on-religious-diversity?lang=en

  • EU envoy asks Sudanese lawmakers about churches demolition

    EU envoy asks Sudanese lawmakers about churches demolition

    March 16, 2017 (KHARTOUM) – The European Union Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion Jan Figel has asked Sudanese legislators about the situation of Christians in the country and the demolition of some churches.

    In the photo: South Sudanese worshippers attend Sunday prayers in Baraka Parish church at Hajj Yusuf, on the outskirts of Khartoum, February 10, 2013 (Reuters)

    Following the secession of South Sudan in 2011, seven former Sudanese dioceses moved to South Sudan leaving only two dioceses for the small Christian minority mainly in South Kordofan and Khartoum states.

    The visiting European Union envoy Thursday met Sudanese Members of Parliament (MPs) at the National Assembly where he discussed issues related to religious freedom and the situation of Christians particularly.

    According to the Chairman of the Legislation and Justice Committee at the National Assembly, Ahmed al-Tijani, the European envoy during his meeting posed a number of questions about the demolition of some churches.

    Al-Tijani said the MPs told him that the Freedom of belief is sanctioned by the Constitution, and the state does not impose any religious belief or practice on its citizens.

    He added that the lawmakers pointed out that the churches have been removed because of a dispute over land ownership, and reaffirmed that some mosques have been demolished for the same reason.

    He pointed out that churches have been established across the Sudan, adding that during religious events and holidays Muslims and Christians exchange congratulations and reach each other, creating an environment of coexistence and tolerance.

    Tijani said that the meeting had been requested by the EU visiting envoy who besides religious freedom discussed also a number of human rights issues.

    Figel, according to the Sudanese legislator, during the meeting touched on the role of women in politics and their representation in the executive and legislative organs in the country.

    Last February, there were reports that Khartoum state authorities decided to demolish 25 churches. However, the decision has been suspended.

    (ST)

    The article is available here: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article61912

  • Freedom of Religion or Belief – Discussing an Agenda for Implementation

    Freedom of Religion or Belief – Discussing an Agenda for Implementation

    The EU, together with the Maltese Presidency of the European Council, organised yesterday an event in the margins of the 34th session of the Human Rights Council on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB), entitled “Towards an agenda for implementation”. The panel debate aimed at encouraging a discussion on the recommendations provided in the Special Rapporteur’s latest report related to the guiding framework to implement the right to FORB.

    “Acts of violence and discrimination based on religion or belief, committed in the name of religion or national security, including against persons belonging to minority groups and women, continue to be perpetrated worldwide,” said Ambassador Peter Sørensen, Head of the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva in his opening remarks. He confirmed the EU’s commitment to pursue and defend FORB as a key priority of EU’s human rights policy. “An understanding of accomplishments in terms of the implementation and enjoyment of FORB, and the persisting challenges and emerging trends, is crucial to the protection and advancement of FORB,” he underlined. He also highlighted the need for an agenda of implementation, and concerted and coordinated efforts by States, non-state actors and the international community to boost its operationalisation at all level.

    Ambassador Olaph Terribile, Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN in Geneva, underlined the importance that Malta attaches to FORB. He referred to persecution based on religion or belief, and underscored Malta’s commitment to those in vulnerable situations, recalling his country’s experience in receiving large numbers of asylum seekers and refugees. He recognised the advancements in thinking on FORB and in addressing minorities’ particular circumstances. “Intolerance must be challenged through dialogue and debate and not through closing the door to foreigners.” He also mentioned the legal reform of blasphemy laws implemented by his country in 2016, which has been seen as a victory for freedom of expression.

    Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, talked about the UN mandate that has played an important part in the protection and promotion of FORB at a global level, and has provided guidance to states in limiting hate speech. He underlined the importance of the mandate in a climate of growing intolerance and increased acts of violence in the name of religion. “While we continue to refine the normative framework on freedom of religion or belief, it is now more urgent than ever for States to implement their obligations in protecting and promoting respect for freedom of religion or belief including through cross boundary collaboration and religious freedom literacy,” he said.

    “Freedom of religion or belief is a litmus test of respect of human dignity and human rights, if it is disregarded other freedoms are also disregarded,” stated Jan Figel, EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. He described FORB as the deepest expression of personal freedom. “FORB is a must, it’s a principle, it’s a value,” he said, underlining the EU’s commitment to defending and promoting this freedom. He also emphasized the EU’s approach of consensus and dialogue. “We cannot impose, but we can propose,” he said.

    Elizabeth O’Casey, Director of Advocacy at the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), encouraged the understanding of FORB as a broader concept, encompassing political and social rights. She stressed the need to better engage with faith leaders and civil society, and to provide a free space for discussion, favouring the use of a secular discourse based on universalist principles. She also highlighted the intersection and interlinkage of FORB with other rights, in particular with the right to freedom of expression: “Freedom of religion or belief is sometimes presented in opposition to freedom of expression – I argue the opposite. The two rights should be pulled together. The manifestation of freedom of religion or belief is impossible without freedom of expression.”

    At the current 34th session of the Human Rights Council the EU is again tabling a resolution on FORB, promoting the freedom of conscience, thought, religion or belief, condemning intolerance, discrimination and violence, including against person belonging to religious minorities around the world. The resolution continues to urge States to step up their efforts to promote and protect this fundamental freedom.

    The article can be found here: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un-geneva/21509/freedom-religion-or-belief-discussing-agenda-implementation_en

  • EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom Jan Figel: “Europe needs to stand up to help minorities in Iraq

    EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom Jan Figel: “Europe needs to stand up to help minorities in Iraq

    “Iraq is in an incredibly difficult situation. Minorities especially, were since 2014 abandoned by the central government of Baghdad and also felt abandoned by the Kurdish authorities. They became the victims of a genocide by ISIS,” EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion and belief Jan Figel told The European Post.

    Jan Figel is the first EU authority to have visited Iraq after a long time. The mission of the Special Envoy involved various elements: discussions with national political authorities in Baghdad; meetings with provincial political and religious authorities in Najaf and Erbil, Kurdistan.

    Among others, he met with Vice-President of Iraq Al Alawi, the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Salim al-Jabouri in Baghdad, with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammed Saeed al-Hakim in as well as Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Bashir al-Najafi underlying messages of peace, harmonious cohabitation, reconstruction and reconciliation.

    While in Erbil, Figel met the Prime Minister of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), ​​Nerchevan Barzani, and top religious authorities such as Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphaël Sako, the Archbishops Mirkis of Kirkuk and Warda of Erbil Warda, the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Mosul Nicodemus Sharaf, and other Christian activists – who asked for the EU’s support in providing security via a military presence, and the presence of international observers. Representatives of Yazidis, Kakais, Turkmens, Shabaks, Jews, Bahais and others expressed their desire for more justice and equality in future Iraq. “We want Iraq as a civil state, not a religious one“.

    The EU should exercise more diplomatic pressures on the Iraqi central government regarding security and support activities such as the elimination of landmines in areas retaken from ISIL/Daesh, the Special Envoy said he felt there.

    “Iraq needs to protect and promote positions of depleted minorities . Minorities in Iraq deserve more attention and more support from international community” Figel added.

    “After the liberation of Mosul from ISIS we should speak more about a safe return to their homes and the protection of all citizens, including minorities. What they need most from Baghdad, from regional and local administrations is security. Since the new Iraqi government is in place, no single minister visited Northern Iraq. It’s not only about a safe return but also about recognition of rights, property ownership and giving minorities more self administration instead of bureaucracy, negligence and indifference,” Figel stated.

    During his visit, the Special Envoy referred to the differences between the US and EU approaches. Political and religious leaders in Iraq welcomed the EU’s actions in the country and in the Middle East region. All of them were aware of the major differences between US policy and the EU’s soft power approach.

    For these reasons, Jan Figel noted that “Europe is a credible partner. In Iraq there is a lot of anti-Americanism but there is not anti-Europeanism! Europe should step up its intense, credible and constructive cooperation. I think it’s Europe’s responsibility to help religious and ethnics minorities in Iraq!” he concluded.

    Interview with Jan Figel: “Europe needs to stand up to help minorities in Iraq!”

    See the article at: http://europeanpost.co/eu-special-envoy-for-religious-freedom-jan-figel-europe-needs-to-stand-up-to-help-minorities-in-iraq/

  • Burma’s Yet Incomplete Democratic Transition

    The United Nations on Friday issued a report on the Burmese military’s abuse of Rohingya Muslim civilians in northern Rakhine State over the past four months. The campaign of murders, mass gang-rapes, brutal beatings and disappearances clearly rises to the level of crimes against humanity.

    The report draws on interviews with 204 Rohingyas who fled to Bangladesh, most of whom witnessed killings. Almost half reported having a family member killed. Of the 101 women interviewed by U.N. investigators, more than half said they had been raped. Young children were killed in front of their parents. The U.N. has confirmed the equally graphic findings of investigators from private human-rights groups.

    U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said, “The devastating cruelty to which these children have been subjected is unbearable. What kind of hatred could make a man stab a baby crying out for his mother’s milk? And for the mother to witness this murder while she is being gang-raped by the very security forces who should be protecting her—what kind of ‘clearance operation’ is this? What national security goals could possibly be served by this? . . . The killing of people as they prayed, fished to feed their families, the brutal beating of children as young as two and an elderly woman aged 80—the perpetrators of these violations, and those who ordered them, must be held accountable.”

    The Rohingyas have long been one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. Despite having lived in Burma for generations, in 1982 a new law took away their citizenship rights and rendered them stateless. Restrictions on movement, marriage, education and religious freedom followed. In 2012, two dramatic outbursts of violence left thousands displaced and the Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists bitterly divided.

    Failure to find a humane and just solution led a small group of Rohingyas to attack Burmese border police posts in October, killing nine police officers. This provoked the Burmese army into a grossly disproportionate response that has resulted in ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

    Calls for an international response are growing. In December, 23 international figures, including 11 Nobel Peace Prize laureates and several former prime ministers, warned that the situation “has all the hallmarks of recent past tragedies—Rwanda, Darfur, Bosnia, Kosovo.” They called for an independent U.N. inquiry to establish the truth.

    Last week’s report goes some way to fulfilling that need, and it adds more weight to demands for a full commission of inquiry. Another option is an investigation by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to ensure that, in the words of the U.N. high commissioner, “victims have access to justice, reparations and safety.”

    As devastating as the stories from the Rohingyas are, theirs is not the only human-rights and humanitarian crisis in Burma. As it conducted ethnic cleansing in Rakhine, the Burmese army intensified its assault on the Kachin ethnic group and other minorities in northern Shan State.

    Thousands have been displaced in recent weeks, and a Catholic church was bombed in December. Two Kachin Christian pastors, Nawng Latt and Gam Seng, were arrested after taking journalists to the bombed church to gather evidence. They are due to appear in court Tuesday, charged under the Unlawful Association Act for allegedly aiding Kachin rebels, a charge they deny.

    Burma’s human-rights abuses are not restricted to its peripheries. Buddhist nationalists have waged a campaign of anti-Muslim hatred across the country for the past four years. This led to outbreaks of violence and laws that restrict religious conversion and interfaith marriage, violating freedom of religion or belief.

    The assassination of Burma’s most prominent Muslim lawyer and constitutional expert, U Ko Ni, in front of Yangon Airport last week is a reminder that the country’s political system remains a highly disputed work in progress. This murder of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal advisor, who had been outspoken in calls for constitutional reform, is a warning shot designed to stoke further fear and instability.

    A year ago the world celebrated Burma’s peaceful transition to democracy, but it’s now clear that the military is determined to hang on to much of its power.

    Under the constitution, the military remains in control of the Home Affairs, Border Affairs and Defense ministries, meaning Ms. Suu Kyi’s leadership is tenuous. While she could have done more to speak out, she does not control the troops. Only Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief, has the power to stop the killing and rapes.

    The international community must now act to hold the Burmese military to account for its crimes. Burma’s future hangs in the balance.

    Mr. Figel is the European Union’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. Mr. Rogers is a human rights activist with Christian Solidarity Worldwide and author of three books on Burma.

    See the article at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/burmas-yet-incomplete-democratic-transition-1486400191

  • Tajani rád hovorí o koreňoch Európy a hodnotách, čo nás spájajú

    Tajani rád hovorí o koreňoch Európy a hodnotách, čo nás spájajú

    Hosťom Pavla Demeša v štúdiu TABLET.TV je osobitný vyslanec EÚ pre náboženské slobody vo svete a bývalý eurokomisár Ján Figeľ.

    ratislava 20. januára (TABLET.TV) – Európsky parlament si pred pár dňami zvolil svojho nového predsedu. Stal sa ním Talian Antonio Tajani, ktorý bol komisárom Európskej komisie v čase, keď túto funkciu vykonával aj Ján Figeľ.

    Nielen o Antoniovi Tajanim, ale aj o budúcnosti Európy, zmenách, ktoré ju čakajú a o náboženských slobodách vo svete diskutuje v relácii SVET Tu a teraz Pavol Demeš s Jánom Figeľom.

    https://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/figel-tajani-rad-hovori-o-korenoch/239330-clanok.html
  • CIFoRB interviews Ján Figeľ

    CIFoRB interviews Ján Figeľ


    Angela Garvey Hammond interviews Ján Figeľ, the EU Special Envoy for the Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union. More information on the CIFoRB project: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/ciforb