Ján Figeľ

Month: April 2025

Das stille Streben nach Wahrheit: Jan Figels Mission für Religionsfreiheit

ByNewsdesk

Porträt im Glauben Jan Figel hat das Auftreten eines Menschen, der weder in Eile ist noch sich leicht aus der Ruhe bringen lässt. Er strahlt die ruhige Sicherheit eines Menschen aus, der jahrzehntelang komplexe Verhandlungen geführt, heikle Rahmenbedingungen geschaffen und sich still, aber bestimmt für diejenigen eingesetzt hat, deren Stimmen zum Schweigen gebracht wurden. Als Sondergesandter der Europäischen Union für die Förderung der Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit ist Figel zu einer tragenden Säule im oft umstrittenen und herausfordernden Bereich der internationalen Religionsfreiheit geworden. Seine Arbeit, die nicht von Rhetorik, sondern von pragmatischem Handeln geprägt ist, zeugt von der Macht nachhaltiger, prinzipientreuer Diplomatie angesichts der größten Ungerechtigkeiten der Welt.

Figel wurde in der Slowakei geboren und wuchs in einem Europa am Scheideweg auf, wo die Kräfte von Geschichte, Religion und Politik aufeinanderprallten und der Wunsch nach mehr persönlicher Freiheit erst kurz zuvor aus dem Schatten der sowjetischen Herrschaft hervorgetreten war. In diesem Umfeld entwickelte er schon früh ein Interesse an Menschenrechten, insbesondere an der Religionsfreiheit – ein Anliegen, das sein Berufsleben prägen sollte. Nach seinem Studium an der Universität Bratislava und dem Abschluss als Jurist war Figels Weg in die Politik und Diplomatie nahezu unvermeidlich, denn sein Gerechtigkeitssinn und sein Glaube an das Grundrecht jedes Einzelnen, seinem Gewissen zu folgen, prägten seine Persönlichkeit.

Ende der 1990er Jahre erholte sich die Slowakei von jahrzehntelanger totalitärer Herrschaft, und Jan Figel engagierte sich im slowakischen politischen System, als das Land gerade seine neu gewonnene Unabhängigkeit erlangte. Seine frühe politische Karriere war geprägt von der Entschlossenheit, eine Gesellschaft aufzubauen, in der Meinungs- und Glaubensfreiheit Grundrechte und keine Privilegien oder Ausnahmen sind. Figels Verständnis von Religionsfreiheit ging stets über die engen Grenzen des persönlichen Glaubens hinaus; für ihn ging es um die Architektur einer freien Gesellschaft, um die Schaffung eines öffentlichen Raums, in dem alle Stimmen ohne Angst vor Verfolgung oder Diskriminierung zu Wort kommen konnten.

Jan FigelSein tiefes Engagement für diese Ideale führte ihn 2004 mit dem Beitritt der Slowakei zur Europäischen Union auf die europäische Bühne. Sein Aufstieg verlief rasant, und bald wurde er zum slowakischen Minister für Verkehr, Post und Telekommunikation ernannt. Sein Engagement für die Menschenrechte blieb jedoch unerschütterlich, selbst in einer Funktion, die ihn dazu zwang, sich auf die Infrastruktur zu konzentrieren. Als sich die Gelegenheit bot, sich auf der EU-Bühne für mehr Religionsfreiheit einzusetzen, fühlte er sich erneut in die globale Diskussion über Religionsfreiheit hineingezogen.

Im Jahr 2016 wurde Figel, nachdem er stellvertretender Ministerpräsident der Slowakei gewesen war und eine Schlüsselfigur in diplomatischen Kreisen der EU war, zum Sondergesandten der Europäischen Union für die Förderung der Religions- und Glaubensfreiheit ernannt. In dieser Funktion fungierte er sowohl als Fürsprecher als auch als Vermittler und navigierte durch heikle internationale Gewässer, in denen die Religionsfreiheit durch autoritäre Regime, radikale Ideologien und wachsende Intoleranz bedroht ist.

Im Mittelpunkt von Figels Arbeit steht die Erkenntnis, dass Religionsfreiheit untrennbar mit der Gesundheit der Demokratie verbunden ist. In Ländern, in denen religiöse Rechte angegriffen werden, leidet nicht nur der Glaube – das gesamte soziale Gefüge. Ohne die Möglichkeit, frei zu glauben, ohne den Raum, seinen Glauben offen zu praktizieren und auszudrücken, wird dem Einzelnen ein zentraler Aspekt seiner Menschlichkeit genommen. Diese Überzeugung hat Figel zu einem unermüdlichen Verfechter der Rechte religiöser Minderheiten gemacht, insbesondere in Regionen, in denen diese Gemeinschaften am stärksten gefährdet sind.

Sein diplomatischer Ansatz ist einzigartig. Während andere lautstark oder emotional appellieren, ähnelt Figels Methode eher der geduldigen Arbeit eines Mediators. Er war schon immer jemand, der nach Gemeinsamkeiten sucht und nach Möglichkeiten sucht, Brücken zu bauen, anstatt Mauern einzureißen. In den Hallen der Vereinten Nationen, auf Konferenzen von Verfechtern der Religionsfreiheit oder bei Treffen mit ausländischen Diplomaten ist Figels Stimme ruhig, aber bestimmt, gelassen, aber unerschütterlich. Er ist kein Politiker, der versucht, das Gespräch zu dominieren, sondern jemand, der versteht, dass die besten Ergebnisse oft im Stillen, durch umsichtige Verhandlungen und das Bekenntnis zu gemeinsamen Werten erzielt werden.

Eine der bedeutendsten Leistungen Jan Figels als EU-Sondergesandter war sein Einsatz für die verfolgten religiösen Minderheiten im Nahen Osten. In der Region hat die Gewalt gegen religiöse Gruppen, insbesondere gegen Christen, Jesiden und andere kleinere Sekten, zugenommen, da sich extremistische Ideologien etabliert haben. Figel hat die internationale Gemeinschaft lautstark auf diese Probleme aufmerksam gemacht und die europäischen Staats- und Regierungschefs aufgefordert, sich für religiöse Minderheiten einzusetzen. Damit hat er sich nicht nur als Fürsprecher, sondern auch als Übersetzer des weltweiten Leids erwiesen – er trägt es in die Machtzentren und sorgt dafür, dass diejenigen, die oft übersehen werden, nicht vergessen werden.

Figels Einfluss reicht jedoch über den Nahen Osten hinaus. Er setzt sich unermüdlich für die Religionsfreiheit in der Europäischen Union ein und sorgt dafür, dass Gesetze und Richtlinien innerhalb der EU das Recht des Einzelnen respektieren, seinen Glauben ohne Angst vor Diskriminierung auszuüben. Der Aufstieg von Populismus und Nationalismus in Europa hat zu einem wachsenden Klima des Misstrauens und der Intoleranz geführt, in dem religiöse Minderheiten zunehmend an den Rand gedrängt werden. Figels Arbeit in diesem Bereich hat maßgeblich dazu beigetragen, diese Kräfte zurückzudrängen und die europäischen Staats- und Regierungschefs daran zu erinnern, dass Religionsfreiheit kein abstraktes Konzept, sondern ein Grundpfeiler der EU-Werte ist.

Er spielte zudem eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Etablierung und Förderung interreligiöser Dialoge. Er erkannte, dass wahre Religionsfreiheit nicht nur auf gesetzlichen Rechten beruht, sondern auch die Förderung eines Klimas gegenseitigen Respekts und Verständnisses. Figel setzte sich entschieden für den Aufbau von Beziehungen zwischen Menschen unterschiedlichen Glaubens ein und war überzeugt, dass durch Dialog und Zusammenarbeit selbst zwischen den unterschiedlichsten Glaubensrichtungen Gemeinsamkeiten gefunden werden können. In einer Welt, die zunehmend durch ideologische und religiöse Grenzen gespalten ist, erinnert Figels Werk daran, dass Frieden nicht aus der Abwesenheit von Meinungsverschiedenheiten entsteht, sondern aus der Bereitschaft, sich trotz aller Meinungsverschiedenheiten zu engagieren und nach Verständnis zu suchen.

Trotz der Bedeutung seiner Arbeit bleibt Figel eine zutiefst bescheidene Persönlichkeit. Sein Auftreten ist weit entfernt vom typischen Profil eines Diplomaten oder politischen Führers. Sein Handeln ist frei von Grandenismus; vielmehr scheint er sich mehr um die Ergebnisse seiner Bemühungen als um deren Sichtbarkeit zu sorgen. Er ist bekannt für sein aufmerksames Zuhören, seine Fähigkeit, Unausgesprochenes zu hören, und für seine ruhige Beharrlichkeit angesichts von Widerstand. Diese Bescheidenheit, gepaart mit seinem unerschütterlichen Engagement für die Menschenrechte, hat ihm den Respekt und die Bewunderung seiner Kollegen eingebracht, selbst derer, die in anderen Fragen anderer Meinung sind.

Jan Figel beschrieb sich selbst einmal mit den Worten: „Ich bin ein demütiger und schwacher Mann im Dienste Gottes und meines Nächsten.“ Diese Aussage bringt seinen Charakter auf den Punkt – ein Mann, dessen Dienst am Nächsten nicht aus dem Wunsch nach Anerkennung oder Macht erwächst, sondern aus dem tiefen, unerschütterlichen Glauben an die Bedeutung des Dienstes für etwas Größeres als sich selbst. Diese Demut prägt seine gesamte Einstellung zur Religionsfreiheit – er sieht sich nicht als Held oder Retter, sondern als Diener, der still und ohne großes Aufsehen für Gerechtigkeit kämpft.

Für Figel ist Religionsfreiheit kein abstraktes Ideal, sondern eine Frage des täglichen Lebens. Ihr hat er sein Leben verschrieben, und er verfolgt sie mit einer stillen Intensität, die in einer Welt, die Spektakel über Substanz stellt, oft übersehen wird. In seiner Arbeit geht es nicht um Ruhm oder Macht, sondern darum, sicherzustellen, dass Menschen weltweit ihr Leben nach ihren tiefsten Überzeugungen leben können – ohne Angst, ohne Unterdrückung und ohne Gewalt.

Auch heute noch ist Figel der Überzeugung treu, dass Religionsfreiheit nicht nur für das Gedeihen des Einzelnen, sondern für die Zukunft der Gesellschaft als Ganzes von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Seine Arbeit prägt weiterhin die Konturen der europäischen Politik zur Religionsfreiheit, auch wenn er im Hintergrund still und leise diejenigen unterstützt, deren Rechte bedroht sind.

Wer Jan Figel begegnet, begegnet jemandem, dessen Werte nicht von den aktuellen politischen Winden abhängen, sondern auf einem tieferen Verständnis der anhaltenden Probleme der Welt beruhen. Seine Diplomatie beruht auf Prinzipien, nicht auf Posen; auf Überzeugung, nicht auf Bequemlichkeit. In einer Welt voller Lärm ist Figels stille Entschlossenheit eine eindringliche Erinnerung daran, dass das Streben nach Wahrheit, Gerechtigkeit und Religionsfreiheit Geduld, Mut und vor allem den unerschütterlichen Glauben erfordert, dass diese Werte verteidigt werden können und müssen.

Letztlich geht es Jan Figels Arbeit nicht um persönlichen Erfolg oder Anerkennung. Es geht ihm darum, eine Welt zu schaffen, in der Menschen aller Glaubensrichtungen, Hintergründe und Überzeugungen in Freiheit und Würde leben können. Und in diesem stillen Streben baut er weiterhin Stein für Stein eine gerechtere und friedlichere Welt für zukünftige Generationen.

https://www.europeantimes.news/de/2025/04/Die-stille-Suche-nach-der-Wahrheit-Jan-Figels-Mission-f%C3%BCr-Religionsfreiheit

30 April 2025
La quête tranquille de la vérité : la mission de Jan Figel pour la liberté religieuse

Portrait dans la foi Jan Figel a l’allure d’un homme qui n’est ni pressé ni facilement déstabilisé. Il porte en lui l’assurance tranquille de celui qui a passé des décennies à mener des négociations complexes, à façonner des cadres délicats et à défendre, discrètement mais fermement, ceux dont la voix a été réduite au silence. En tant qu’envoyé spécial de l’Union européenne pour la promotion de la liberté de religion ou de conviction, Figel est devenu un pilier dans le domaine souvent controversé et complexe des droits religieux internationaux. Son œuvre, marquée non par la rhétorique mais par l’action pragmatique, témoigne de la puissance d’une diplomatie durable et fondée sur des principes face aux plus grandes injustices du monde.

Né en Slovaquie, Figel a grandi dans une Europe à la croisée des chemins, où les forces de l’histoire, de la religion et de la politique s’entrechoquaient et où l’aspiration à davantage de libertés individuelles venait tout juste d’émerger de l’ombre du joug soviétique. C’est dans ce contexte qu’il a développé très tôt un intérêt pour les droits de l’homme, en particulier la liberté religieuse, une préoccupation qui allait guider sa vie professionnelle. Après des études à l’Université de Bratislava et l’obtention d’un diplôme de droit, la voie de Figel vers la politique et la diplomatie s’est imposée comme une évidence, car son sens de la justice et sa conviction du droit fondamental de chacun à suivre sa conscience étaient au cœur de sa personnalité.

À la fin des années 1990, la Slovaquie sortait de décennies de régime totalitaire soviétique, et Jan Figel s’est impliqué dans le système politique slovaque alors que le pays naviguait vers son indépendance nouvellement acquise. Le début de sa carrière politique a été marqué par sa détermination à contribuer à l’édification d’une société où la liberté d’expression et la liberté de croyance seraient des droits fondamentaux, et non des privilèges ou des anomalies. Pour Figel, la liberté religieuse a toujours dépassé les limites étroites de la foi personnelle ; pour lui, il s’agissait de l’architecture même d’une société libre, de la création d’un espace public où chacun pourrait s’exprimer sans crainte de persécution ou de discrimination.

Jean FigelSon profond engagement envers ces idéaux l’a propulsé sur la scène européenne en 2004, lorsque la Slovaquie a rejoint l’Union européenne. Son ascension a été fulgurante et il a rapidement été nommé ministre slovaque des Transports, des Postes et des Télécommunications. Cependant, son dévouement aux droits de l’homme est resté inébranlable, même dans un rôle qui l’obligeait à se concentrer sur les infrastructures. Lorsque l’occasion s’est présentée de plaider en faveur de plus grandes libertés religieuses sur la scène européenne, il s’est retrouvé à nouveau attiré par le débat mondial sur la liberté religieuse.

En 2016, après avoir été vice-Premier ministre de la Slovaquie et figure emblématique de la diplomatie européenne, Figel a été nommé envoyé spécial de l’Union européenne pour la promotion de la liberté de religion ou de conviction. À ce titre, il a joué un rôle à la fois de défenseur et de médiateur, naviguant dans des eaux internationales délicates où les libertés religieuses sont menacées par des régimes autoritaires, des idéologies radicales et une intolérance croissante.

Au cœur du travail de Figel se trouve la conviction que la liberté religieuse est inextricablement liée à la santé de la démocratie elle-même. Dans les pays où les droits religieux sont menacés, ce n’est pas seulement la foi qui en pâtit, mais le tissu social tout entier. Privés de la possibilité de croire librement, privés de l’espace nécessaire pour pratiquer et exprimer ouvertement leur foi, les individus sont privés d’un aspect essentiel de leur humanité. C’est cette conviction qui a fait de Figel un défenseur infatigable des droits des communautés religieuses minoritaires, en particulier dans les régions où ces communautés sont les plus vulnérables.

Son approche de la diplomatie est unique. Tandis que d’autres crient ou font appel à l’émotion, la méthode de Figel s’apparente davantage au travail patient d’un médiateur. Il a toujours été quelqu’un qui recherche un terrain d’entente, qui recherche les occasions de construire des ponts plutôt que d’abattre des murs. Dans les couloirs des Nations Unies, lors des conférences de défenseurs de la liberté religieuse ou lors des rencontres avec des diplomates étrangers, la voix de Figel est calme mais ferme, posée mais inébranlable. Ce n’est pas un homme politique qui cherche à dominer le débat, mais plutôt quelqu’un qui comprend que les meilleurs résultats sont souvent ceux obtenus discrètement, par des négociations réfléchies et un engagement envers des valeurs communes.

L’une des réalisations les plus marquantes de Jan Figel en tant qu’envoyé spécial de l’UE a été son plaidoyer en faveur des minorités religieuses persécutées au Moyen-Orient. La région a connu une montée des violences contre les groupes religieux, en particulier contre les chrétiens, les yézidis et d’autres sectes plus petites, avec l’enracinement des idéologies extrémistes. Figel a porté ces questions à l’attention de la communauté internationale, exhortant les dirigeants européens à prendre position en faveur des minorités religieuses. Ce faisant, il s’est révélé être non seulement un défenseur, mais aussi un traducteur des souffrances du monde, les faisant entrer dans les sphères du pouvoir, veillant à ce que ceux qui sont souvent négligés ne soient pas oubliés.

Mais l’influence de Figel s’étend au-delà du Moyen-Orient. Il a également œuvré sans relâche pour promouvoir la liberté religieuse au sein de l’Union européenne, veillant à ce que les lois et les politiques de l’UE respectent le droit des individus à pratiquer leur foi sans crainte de discrimination. La montée du populisme et du nationalisme en Europe a engendré un climat croissant de suspicion et d’intolérance, les minorités religieuses se trouvant de plus en plus marginalisées. Le travail de Figel dans ce domaine a joué un rôle déterminant pour repousser ces forces, rappelant aux dirigeants européens que la liberté religieuse n’est pas un concept abstrait, mais un pilier fondamental des valeurs de l’UE.

Il a également joué un rôle essentiel dans l’établissement et la promotion du dialogue interreligieux, reconnaissant que la véritable liberté religieuse ne se limite pas aux droits légaux, mais qu’elle favorise un environnement de respect et de compréhension mutuels. Figel a été un fervent défenseur du développement des relations entre personnes de confessions différentes, convaincu que le dialogue et la coopération permettent de trouver un terrain d’entente, même entre les croyances les plus divergentes. Dans un monde de plus en plus divisé par des clivages idéologiques et religieux, l’œuvre de Figel rappelle que la paix ne naît pas de l’absence de désaccord, mais de la volonté de dialoguer et de rechercher la compréhension malgré lui.

Malgré la gravité de son travail, Figel demeure une figure profondément humble. Son attitude est loin du profil typique d’un diplomate ou d’un dirigeant politique. Ses actions sont dénuées de toute grandiloquence ; il semble plutôt plus soucieux des résultats de ses efforts que de leur visibilité. Il est connu pour son écoute attentive, sa capacité à percevoir les non-dits et sa persévérance discrète face aux résistances. Cette humilité, alliée à son engagement indéfectible en faveur des droits humains, lui a valu le respect et l’admiration de ses collègues, même de ceux qui sont en désaccord avec lui sur d’autres sujets.

En se décrivant lui-même, Jan Figel a dit un jour : « Je suis un homme humble et faible au service de Dieu et de mon prochain. » Cette affirmation résume l’essence de sa personnalité : un homme dont le service aux autres ne résulte pas d’un désir de reconnaissance ou de pouvoir, mais d’une conviction profonde et inébranlable en l’importance de servir quelque chose de plus grand que soi. C’est cette humilité qui a façonné toute son approche de la liberté religieuse : il ne se considère ni comme un héros ni comme un sauveur, mais comme un serviteur, œuvrant discrètement pour la justice, sans tambour ni trompette.

Pour Figel, la liberté religieuse n’est pas un idéal abstrait, mais une question de vie quotidienne. C’est une cause à laquelle il a consacré sa vie, qu’il poursuit avec une intensité discrète souvent négligée dans un monde qui privilégie le spectacle au contenu. Son travail ne vise pas la gloire ou le pouvoir, mais vise à garantir que chacun, partout dans le monde, puisse vivre selon ses convictions les plus profondes – sans peur, sans répression et sans violence.

Aujourd’hui, Figel demeure convaincu que la liberté religieuse est essentielle non seulement à l’épanouissement des individus, mais aussi à l’avenir de la société. Son travail continue de façonner les contours de la politique européenne en matière de liberté religieuse, tout en œuvrant discrètement en coulisses pour soutenir ceux dont les droits sont menacés.

S’engager auprès de Jan Figel, c’est rencontrer quelqu’un dont les valeurs ne dépendent pas des vents politiques du moment, mais d’une compréhension plus profonde des luttes mondiales persistantes. Sa diplomatie est fondée sur des principes, non sur des postures ; sur des convictions, non sur des convenances. Dans un monde où règne le bruit, la détermination tranquille de Figel rappelle avec force que la quête de la vérité, de la justice et de la liberté religieuse est un chemin qui exige patience, courage et, surtout, la conviction inébranlable que ces valeurs peuvent et doivent être défendues.

En fin de compte, l’œuvre de Jan Figel ne vise pas la réussite personnelle ou la reconnaissance. Il s’agit de créer un monde où les personnes de toutes confessions, origines et croyances puissent vivre en liberté et en dignité. Et dans cette quête silencieuse, il continue de construire, brique après brique, un monde plus juste et plus pacifique pour les générations futures.

https://europeantimes.news/fr/2025/04/the-quiet-pursuit-of-truth-jan-figels-mission-for-religious-freedom

30 April 2025
The Quiet Pursuit of Truth: Jan Figel’s Mission for Religious Freedom

Portrait in Faith – Jan Figel has the demeanor of someone who is neither in a hurry nor easily rattled. He carries with him the quiet assurance of someone who has spent decades working through intricate negotiations, shaping delicate frameworks, and quietly, but firmly, standing up for those whose voices have been silenced. As the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief, Figel has become a linchpin in the often contentious and challenging realm of international religious rights. His work, marked not by rhetoric but by pragmatic action, stands as a testament to the power of sustained, principled diplomacy in the face of the world’s greatest injustices.

Born in Slovakia, Figel grew up in a Europe at a crossroads, where the forces of history, religion, and politics collided and where the yearning for greater personal freedoms had only recently emerged from the shadows of Soviet control. It was in this environment that he developed an early interest in human rights, particularly religious freedom, a concern that would guide his professional life. Having studied at the University of Bratislava and earning a law degree, Figel’s path toward political and diplomatic work became almost inevitable, for his sense of justice and his belief in the fundamental right of every individual to follow their conscience were central to who he was.

In the late 1990s, Slovakia was emerging from decades of Soviet-dominated totalitarian rule, and Jan Figel became involved in the Slovak political system at a time when the country was navigating its newly gained independence. His early political career was shaped by a determination to help build a society where freedom of expression and freedom of belief were fundamental rights, rather than privileges or anomalies. Figel’s understanding of religious liberty was always broader than the narrow confines of one’s personal faith; to him, it was about the very architecture of a free society, about creating a public space in which all voices could speak without fear of persecution or discrimination.

Jan Figel’s deep commitment to these ideals took him to the European stage in 2004, when Slovakia joined the European Union. His ascent was swift, and soon he was appointed as Slovakia’s Minister for Transport, Posts, and Telecommunications. However, his devotion to human rights remained steadfast, even in a role that required him to focus on infrastructure. When the opportunity arose to advocate for greater religious freedoms on the EU stage, he found himself drawn once again to the global conversation on religious liberty.

In 2016, after serving as Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and as a key figure in EU diplomatic circles, Figel was appointed as the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief. In this capacity, he has served as both a voice of advocacy and a mediator, navigating delicate international waters where religious freedoms are threatened by authoritarian regimes, radical ideologies, and growing intolerance.

At the heart of Figel’s work lies an understanding that religious freedom is inextricably linked to the health of democracy itself. In countries where religious rights are under attack, it is not only faith that suffers — it is the entire social fabric. Without the ability to believe freely, without the space to practice and express faith openly, individuals are deprived of a central aspect of their humanity. It is this conviction that has made Figel a tireless advocate for the rights of minority faith communities, particularly in regions where those communities are most vulnerable.

His approach to diplomacy is distinct. While others may shout or appeal to emotion, Figel’s method is more akin to the patient work of a mediator. He has always been someone who seeks common ground, looking for opportunities to build bridges rather than tear down walls. In the halls of the United Nations, at conferences of religious freedom advocates, or in meetings with foreign diplomats, Figel’s voice is calm but firm, composed but unwavering. He is not a politician who seeks to dominate the conversation, but rather one who understands that the best outcomes are often those reached quietly, through thoughtful negotiation and a commitment to shared values.

One of Jan Figel’s most significant achievements as the EU Special Envoy has been his advocacy for the persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East. The region has seen a rise in violence against religious groups, particularly against Christians, Yazidis, and other smaller sects, as extremist ideologies have taken root. Figel has been vocal in bringing these issues to the attention of the international community, urging European leaders to take a stand in support of religious minorities. In doing so, he has proven to be not just an advocate, but a translator of the world’s suffering — bringing it into the halls of power, ensuring that those who are often overlooked are not forgotten.

But Figel’s influence extends beyond the Middle East. He has also worked tirelessly to promote religious freedom within the European Union, ensuring that laws and policies within the EU respect the right of individuals to practice their faith without fear of discrimination. The rise of populism and nationalism in Europe has led to a growing climate of suspicion and intolerance, with religious minorities increasingly finding themselves marginalized. Figel’s work in this area has been instrumental in pushing back against these forces, reminding European leaders that religious freedom is not just an abstract concept but a foundational pillar of the EU’s values.

He has also played a critical role in establishing and advancing interfaith dialogues, recognizing that true religious freedom is not just about legal rights, but about fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Figel has been a strong proponent of building relationships between people of different faiths, believing that through dialogue and cooperation, common ground can be found even among the most divergent beliefs. In a world increasingly divided by ideological and religious lines, Figel’s work is a reminder that peace does not emerge from the absence of disagreement, but from the willingness to engage and seek understanding despite it.

Despite the gravity of his work, Figel remains a deeply humble figure. His demeanor is far from the typical profile of a diplomat or political leader. There is no sense of grandiosity in his actions; rather, he appears more concerned with the results of his efforts than with their visibility. He is known for his deep listening, his ability to hear what is unsaid, and for his quiet persistence in the face of resistance. This humility, combined with his unshakable commitment to human rights, has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, even those who disagree with him on other issues.

In describing himself, Jan Figel once remarked, “I am a humble and weak man in service to my God and neighbour.” This statement encapsulates the essence of his character — a man whose service to others is not borne out of a desire for recognition or power, but out of a deep, unwavering belief in the importance of serving something greater than himself. It is this sense of humility that has shaped his entire approach to religious freedom — he does not view himself as a hero or a savior, but as a servant, quietly working for justice, without fanfare.

For Figel, religious freedom is not an abstract ideal but a matter of daily life. It is a cause that he has dedicated his life to, and one that he pursues with the kind of quiet intensity that is often overlooked in a world that favors spectacle over substance. His work is not about seeking glory or power, but about ensuring that people around the world can live their lives according to their deepest convictions — without fear, without repression, and without violence.

Today, Figel remains dedicated to the belief that religious freedom is essential not just for the flourishing of individuals, but for the future of society itself. His work continues to shape the contours of European policy on religious freedom, even as he quietly works behind the scenes to support those whose rights are under threat.

To engage with Jan Figel is to encounter someone whose values are not contingent on the current political winds, but on a deeper understanding of the world’s enduring struggles. His is a diplomacy of principle, not posturing; of conviction, not convenience. In a world filled with noise, Figel’s quiet resolve stands as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of truth, justice, and religious freedom is a path that requires patience, courage, and, above all, the unwavering belief that these values can, and must, be defended.

In the end, Jan Figel’s work is not about achieving personal success or recognition. It is about creating a world where people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs can live in freedom and dignity. And in this quiet pursuit, he continues to build, brick by brick, a more just and peaceful world for future generations.

Original article here: https://europeantimes.news/2025/04/the-quiet-pursuit-of-truth-jan-figels-mission-for-religious-freedom/

30 April 2025
L’Unione Europea finanzia l’indottrinamento islamista nelle scuole pakistane

Secondo un rapporto del 2024 intitolato Pakistan, Education System, Curriculum and Eu Funding, redatto da Sallux/Ecpm (European Christian Political Movement), tra il 2016 e il 2024, l’Unione europea ha speso più di 150 milioni di euro per l’istruzione in Pakistan.

Questo report contiene oltre 40 pagine di brani scelti e immagini tratti da libri di testo scolastici che dimostrano come le opinioni espresse nei programmi di studio ufficiali del Pakistan non sono compatibili con i valori dell’Ue espressi nella sua Carta dei Diritti Fondamentali.

Questo uso improprio del denaro dei contribuenti dell’Unione europea è emerso durante un incontro presso la sede delle Nazioni Unite a Ginevra, nel corso della recente 58a sessione del Consiglio per i Diritti Umani dell’Onu.

Il Sistema di Preferenze Generalizzate Plus (Spg+) dell’Unione europea incoraggia i Paesi in via di sviluppo (come il Pakistan) a perseguire uno sviluppo sostenibile e una buona governance. I Paesi ammissibili devono attuare 27 convenzioni internazionali in materia di “diritti umani, diritti dei lavoratori, ambiente e buona governance”.

Attualmente, l’Ue è il secondo partner commerciale più importante del Pakistan e due anni fa rappresentava il 15,3 per cento del commercio totale del Paese. Il Pakistan è uno dei principali beneficiari delle opportunità commerciali offerte dal   Sistema di Preferenze Generalizzate (Spg) dell’Unione europea. Dal 1° gennaio 2014, il Pakistan beneficia di generose preferenze tariffarie (per lo più dazi nulli su due terzi di tutte le categorie di prodotti) nell’ambito del cosiddetto sistema Spg+.

L’evento, tenutosi presso la sede delle Nazioni Unite, intitolato “Diritti Umani in Pakistan: Istruzione sotto assedio – Ideologia, Intolleranza ed Erosione dei Diritti umani in Pakistan”, ha messo in luce il sistema educativo islamico estremista del Paese e le sue crescenti violazioni dei diritti umani. È stato organizzato da Cap Freedom of Conscience, una Ong francese con status consultivo speciale presso le Nazioni Unite, Human Rights Without Frontiers (Hrwf) e Global Human Rights Defense (Ghrd).

L’ex commissario europeo Ján Figeľ, nonché primo rappresentante speciale dell’Ue per la promozione della libertà di religione o credo al di fuori dell’Unione europea, ha affermato nel suo discorso programmatico che “le strutture costituzionali e penali del Pakistan, in particolare le leggi sulla blasfemia, sono particolarmente dure e alimentano una discriminazione diffusa”.

Figeľ ha citato un caso in cui i religiosi islamici pakistani  hanno costretto un docente universitario, Sher Ali, a rinunciare pubblicamente all’insegnamento di una serie di credenze e idee in contraddizione con la legge islamica. Una di queste idee era la teoria dell’evoluzione di Charles Darwin. Nel 2022, l’esplosione di una bomba magnetica collocata sotto la sua auto costrinse Ali a rimanere su una sedia a rotelle per mesi.

“Il Pakistan è il maggiore beneficiario dell’Spg+, ma la situazione dei diritti umani non è migliorata di molto”, ha affermato Figel’. “L’Ue deve rivalutare il prezzo di questo silenzio”.

Il suo appello è stato appoggiato da Willy Fautré, direttore di Human Rights Without Frontiers. “Questa non è istruzione, è coercizione ideologica”, ha dichiarato Fautré. “È in gioco la credibilità dell’Ue. Se l’Europa vuole continuare ad essere un attore importante in materia di diritti umani deve garantire che i fondi pubblici non consentano l’erosione del pluralismo e della libertà accademica”.

Fautré ha rilevato: “Accettando di fatto questa situazione e non sanzionando la mancata attuazione dell’Spg+ da parte del Pakistan, l’Ue ha fatto un uso improprio del denaro dei contribuenti europei e ha perso la sua credibilità come potenza commerciale guidata da valori umani”.

Fautré ha elencato alcune delle “costanti e gravi violazioni dei diritti umani che sono rimaste immutate per 10 anni”, tra cui l’invenzione di casi di blasfemia contro cristiani, ahmadi e altre minoranze religiose; atti di violenza e violenze di massa contro membri di comunità religiose minoritarie; e il radicamento di scuole coraniche (madrase), fari di indottrinamento ed estremismo, che sfuggono al controllo dello Stato.

Uno degli argomenti principali affrontati dai relatori è stato il “Programma di studi nazionale unico (Snc)”, introdotto nel 2020 nelle scuole pubbliche pakistane.

“Il programma ha suscitato forti critiche da parte di esperti in materia di istruzione e difensori dei diritti umani per la sua mancanza di inclusività, l’eccessiva enfasi sui contenuti religiosi islamici a scapito delle minoranze religiose, l’ideologia subliminale della supremazia islamica e la scarsa pedagogia”, ha osservato Fautré.

Anche l’organizzazione per i diritti umani Open Doors, nel suo rapporto del 2024, ha fatto riferimento alla “cultura sempre più islamizzante” e al sistema educativo del Pakistan.

L’introduzione di un “Programma di studi nazionale unico” nelle scuole denigra le minoranze religiose e impone l’insegnamento del Corano e di materie come matematica e scienze in modo islamizzato. Così, la religione permea l’educazione scolastica, dividendo bambini e famiglie. I gruppi islamici radicali stanno proliferando (…) e vengono usati come alleati da vari gruppi politici.

Inna Chefranova, direttrice Esecutiva della  Piattaforma europea di Facilitazione,  ha parlato della difficile situazione delle ragazze appartenenti a minoranze religiose, vittime di rapimenti, conversioni forzate e “matrimoni” forzati. Ha citato il caso di una 13enne cattolica, Arzoo Raja, rapita, convertita all’Islam e costretta a sposare un uomo più anziano nel 2020, illustrando le conseguenze del sistema giudiziario e scolastico pakistano.

“L’Ue non può continuare a garantire i privilegi dell’Spg+ finché persiste un abuso sistemico. Il monitoraggio senza l’applicazione delle misure di controllo non aiuta le vittime”, ha affermato Chefranova. “L’istruzione dovrebbe essere uno strumento di inclusione, non di indottrinamento. Finché le riforme non saranno attuate, il sostegno dovrebbe essere subordinato a progressi misurabili”.

Nel corso dell’evento è stato condiviso anche un messaggio registrato dell’eurodeputato Bert-Jan Ruissen, copresidente dell’intergruppo dell’Ue sulla libertà di religione o di credo.

“Finanziamo l’istruzione in Pakistan, ma non ci assumiamo la responsabilità di ciò che quell’istruzione insegna. Questo è inaccettabile”, ha osservato Ruissen.

Un’indagine del 2024 condotta da Ruissen sulla Commissione europea  ha confermato che il denaro dei contribuenti dell’Ue era stato stanziato in favore di “seminari religiosi” in Pakistan. Facendo riferimento all’indagine, Ruissen ha chiesto un intervento parlamentare. Ha rilevato che “l’Unione europea deve integrare queste preoccupazioni nella prossima revisione dell’Spg+. Non possiamo sovvenzionare l’odio e l’esclusione”.

Di conseguenza, l’Ue favorisce un programma discriminatorio ed estremista che porta a un’ulteriore islamizzazione della popolazione pakistana. L’Unione europea sostiene inoltre l’oppressione di tutti coloro che nel Paese non sono islamisti e una cultura violenta che viene trasportata in Europa attraverso l’immigrazione di massa. Purtroppo, sembra che l’Ue sia diventata, in una certa misura, un catalizzatore dell’islamizzazione, sia nel Vecchio Continente che altrove.

(*) Tratto da The European Conservative

(**) Traduzione a cura di Angelita La Spada

Aggiornato il 29 aprile 2025 alle ore 09:34

Original link: https://opinione.it/esteri/2025/04/28/uzay-bulut-unione-europea-finanzia-indottrinamento-islamista-scuole-pakistane/

28 April 2025
EU financira obrazovni sustav Pakistana koji promiče islamizaciju i diskriminaciju kršćana

Muslim children studying in classroom

Između 2016. i 2024. godine EU izdvojila je više od 150 milijuna eura za obrazovanje u Pakistanu. Ta informacija objavljena je u izvješću iz 2024. godine pod nazivom Pakistan, obrazovni sustav, kurikulum i financiranje EU-a, koje je sastavio Europski kršćanski politički pokret (Sallux/ECPM). Izvješće ECPM-a sadrži više od 40 stranica isječaka i slika iz pakistanskih udžbenika. Ti materijali pokazuju da stavovi u službenom kurikulumu Pakistana nisu usklađeni s vrijednostima Europske unije navedenima u Povelji o temeljnim pravima.

Zlouporaba novca poreznih obveznika Europske unije otkrivena je tijekom skupa u sjedištu Ujedinjenih naroda u Ženevi. Taj je događaj održan u sklopu nedavne 58. sjednice Vijeća za ljudska prava UN-a.

EU-ov Opći sustav preferencijalnih carina Plus (GSP+) potiče zemlje u razvoju, poput Pakistana, da promiču održivi razvoj i dobro upravljanje. Kako bi ostvarile pravo na te pogodnosti, zemlje moraju provesti 27 međunarodnih konvencija koje se odnose na ljudska prava, prava radnika, zaštitu okoliša i transparentno upravljanje.

EU je drugi najvažniji trgovinski partner Pakistana

Europska unija trenutačno je drugi najvažniji trgovinski partner Pakistana, budući da je prije dvije godine činila 15,3 % ukupne pakistanske trgovine. Pakistan je jedan od glavnih korisnika pogodnosti koje nudi GSP+ program, a od 1. siječnja 2014. uživa povlaštene carinske stope – uglavnom bez carina – na oko dvije trećine svih kategorija proizvoda.

Događaj u sjedištu Ujedinjenih naroda pod nazivom Ljudska prava u Pakistanu: Obrazovanje pod opsadom – ideologija, netolerancija i urušavanje ljudskih prava u Pakistanu usmjerio je pozornost na stanje obrazovanja u toj zemlji. Posebno je istaknuta uloga islamskog ekstremizma u obrazovnom sustavu te sve ozbiljnija kršenja ljudskih prava.

Organizirali su ga CAP Freedom of Conscience, francuska nevladina organizacija koja ima poseban savjetodavni status pri Ujedinjenim narodima, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) i Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD).

Bivši povjerenik Europske unije Ján Figeľ, koji je ujedno bio prvi posebni izaslanik EU-a za promicanje slobode vjeroispovijesti izvan Unije, održao je glavni govor na skupu. U njemu je istaknuo da su pakistanski ustavni i kazneni zakoni, osobito oni o bogohuljenju, iznimno strogi te da potiču raširenu diskriminaciju.

EU podržava Pakistan unatoč kršenju ljudskih prava

Figeľ je naveo primjer sveučilišnog profesora Sher Alija. Pakistanski islamski klerici prisilili su ga da se javno odrekne poučavanja određenih ideja, jer su ih smatrali suprotnima islamskom zakonu. Među tim idejama bila je i Darwinova teorija evolucije. Godine 2022., Alijev automobil bio je meta napada magnetskom bombom, zbog čega je mjesecima bio u invalidskim kolicima.

„Pakistan je najveći korisnik GSP+ povlastica, a ipak se vrlo malo učinilo u pogledu poboljšanja ljudskih prava,” rekao je. „EU mora preispitati cijenu svoje šutnje.”

Njegov apel podržao je i Willy Fautré, direktor Human Rights Without Frontiers. „Ovo nije obrazovanje, ovo je ideološka prisila,” rekao je Fautré. „U pitanju je vjerodostojnost EU-a. Ako Europa želi ostati akter u području ljudskih prava, mora osigurati da javna sredstva ne omogućuju urušavanje pluralizma i akademske slobode.”

Fautré je naglasio: „Prihvaćanjem ovakve situacije de facto i propuštanjem sankcioniranja Pakistana zbog neprovedbe GSP+ mehanizama, EU je zloupotrijebila novac europskih poreznih obveznika. Također je izgubila vjerodostojnost kao trgovačka sila vođena ljudskim vrijednostima.”

Fautré je naveo neka od „uporno teških kršenja ljudskih prava koja se nisu promijenila već deset godina”. To uključuje lažno optuživanje kršćana, Ahmadija i drugih vjerskih manjina za bogohuljenje. Također, spomenuo je djela nasilja i nasilje gomile protiv pripadnika manjinskih vjerskih zajednica, te postojanje madrasa, žarišta indoktrinacije i ekstremizma, koje su izvan kontrole države.

U Pakistanu se provodi islamizacija obrazovnog sustava

Jedna od glavnih tema bila je tzv. Jedinstveni nacionalni kurikulum (SNC), uveden 2020. godine u državnim školama u Pakistanu.

„Kurikulum je naišao na oštre kritike stručnjaka za obrazovanje i branitelja ljudskih prava zbog nedostatka inkluzivnosti i prekomjernog naglaska na islamskom vjerskom sadržaju na štetu vjerskih manjina. Također, kritiziran je zbog prikrivene ideologije islamske nadmoćnosti i loše pedagogije.” istaknuo je Fautré.

Organizacija za ljudska prava Open Doors također se u svom izvješću iz 2024. godine osvrnula na “sve izraženiju islamizaciju kulture” i obrazovnog sustava u Pakistanu:

“Uvođenje ‘Jedinstvenog nacionalnog kurikuluma’ u školama ponižava vjerske manjine i nameće poučavanje Kurana te predmeta poput matematike i znanosti na način koji favorizira islam. Time religija prožima obrazovni sustav, stvarajući podjele među djecom i obiteljima. Radikalne islamske skupine jačaju i koriste se kao saveznici različitih političkih skupina.”

EU ignorira nasilje prema vjerskim manjinama u Pakistanu

Inna Chefranova, izvršna direktorica Europske platforme za olakšavanje dijaloga, govorila je o djevojčicama iz vjerskih manjina koje su otete, prisilno preobraćene na islam i prisilno udane. Navela je primjer 13-godišnje katolkinje Arzoo Raje, koja je 2020. godine oteta, preobraćena na islam i prisilno udana za starijeg muškarca, čime je ilustrirala negativne posljedice pakistanskog pravosudnog i obrazovnog sustava.

„EU ne može nastaviti pružati privilegije GSP+ dok sustavna zlostavljanja i dalje traju. Nadzor bez stvarne provedbe ne štiti žrtve,“ izjavila je Chefranova. „Obrazovanje bi trebalo biti alat za uključivanje, a ne indoktrinaciju. Dok se ne provedu reforme, podrška bi trebala biti uvjetovana mjerljivim napretkom.“

Tijekom događaja prikazana je i snimljena poruka zastupnika Europskog parlamenta Bert-Jana Ruissena, supredsjedatelja Međuskupine EU-a za slobodu vjeroispovijesti.

“Financiramo obrazovanje u Pakistanu, a ipak odbacujemo odgovornost za ono što to obrazovanje prenosi. To je neprihvatljivo,” istaknuo je Ruissen.

EU sudjeluje u financiranju islamizacije pakistanskog obrazovnog sustava

U svom upitu Europskoj komisiji iz 2024. godine, Ruissen je potvrdio da je novac poreznih obveznika EU-a korišten za financiranje “vjerskih sjemeništa” u Pakistanu. Pozivajući se na tu informaciju, zatražio je parlamentarnu akciju. Istaknuo je da “EU mora uzeti ove zabrinutosti u obzir prilikom nadolazeće revizije GSP+. Ne možemo subvencionirati mržnju i isključivost.”

Kao rezultat toga, EU omogućuje diskriminatorni i ekstremistički kurikulum koji vodi daljnjoj islamizaciji pakistanskog stanovništva. EU također podržava ugnjetavanje svih onih u zemlji koji nisu islamisti. Time se potiče nasilna kultura koja se prenosi i u Europu putem masovne migracije. Nažalost, čini se da je EU, do određene mjere, postala suučesnik islamizacije i na Starom kontinentu i izvan njega, prenosi The European Conservative.

Original link: https://narod.hr/eu-svijet/eu-financira-obrazovni-sustav-pakistana-koji-promice-islamizaciju-i-diskriminaciju-krscana

27 April 2025
Éducation islamiste au Pakistan : l’Union européenne épinglée pour son financement à coup de millions d’euros d’un système contraire à ses propres valeurs

Entre 2016 et 2024, l’Union européenne a versé plus de 150 millions d’euros pour soutenir l’éducation au Pakistan. Un soutien financier massif aujourd’hui remis en question, tant le système éducatif pakistanais, fondé sur l’idéologie islamiste et l’intolérance, contrevient aux principes mêmes que prétend défendre Bruxelles.

C’est à l’occasion de la 58e session du Conseil des droits de l’homme de l’ONU, à Genève, qu’un rapport édifiant a été présenté, jetant une lumière crue sur la manière dont des fonds européens ont alimenté, sous couvert d’aide au développement, la propagation d’un enseignement hostile à la liberté religieuse, aux minorités et à la pluralité des idées.

Un rapport accablant pour Bruxelles

Le rapport, intitulé Pakistan, système éducatif, programme scolaire et financement de l’UE, rédigé par la fondation Sallux/ECPM (Mouvement politique chrétien européen), s’appuie sur plus de 40 pages de manuels scolaires pakistanais. Il met en évidence une réalité glaçante : l’éducation nationale pakistanaise enseigne une idéologie fondée sur la suprématie islamique, marginalisant les minorités religieuses et réprimant la pensée critique, au mépris des droits fondamentaux.

Parmi les exemples cités, celui du professeur Sher Ali, contraint par des mollahs à renier publiquement certaines notions scientifiques comme la théorie de Darwin, jugées contraires à l’islam. Victime d’un attentat à la bombe en 2022, il est désormais en fauteuil roulant.

Une hypocrisie européenne dénoncée

Depuis 2014, le Pakistan bénéficie du programme GSP+, qui lui permet d’exporter massivement vers l’UE en franchise de droits de douane, à condition de respecter 27 conventions internationales sur les droits humains. Or, selon les intervenants, ces engagements ne sont absolument pas tenus.

« Le Pakistan est le premier bénéficiaire du GSP+, mais ses violations des droits humains persistent depuis une décennie », a dénoncé Ján Figeľ, ancien commissaire européen et envoyé spécial pour la liberté religieuse. Il appelle à une révision en profondeur du partenariat.

Même son de cloche du côté de Willy Fautré, directeur de Human Rights Without Frontiers : « Ce que l’Union européenne finance n’est pas de l’éducation, c’est de la coercition idéologique. En continuant à verser des fonds sans condition, elle trahit les principes qu’elle prétend incarner. »

Une éducation utilisée comme outil d’endoctrinement

Le cœur du problème réside dans le programme national unique (SNC), imposé en 2020 dans toutes les écoles publiques pakistanaises. Ce programme impose une islamisation de l’ensemble des matières, y compris les mathématiques et les sciences. Il exclut les autres religions, renforce l’endoctrinement islamique et accentue les divisions communautaires.

Le rapport évoque également la prolifération des madrassas, ces écoles coraniques largement incontrôlées par l’État, où l’enseignement est souvent extrémiste et hostile aux valeurs occidentales.

Au-delà du système éducatif, c’est l’ensemble de la politique européenne vis-à-vis du Pakistan qui est mise en accusation. Inna Chefranova, directrice de la European Facilitation Platform, a rappelé le cas tragique d’Arzoo Raja, une jeune catholique de 13 ans enlevée, convertie de force à l’islam et mariée à un homme bien plus âgé, avec la bénédiction de la justice pakistanaise.

« L’UE ne peut continuer à offrir des avantages commerciaux sans condition. Le silence européen cautionne l’oppression », a-t-elle martelé.

Même Bert-Jan Ruissen, eurodéputé et coprésident du groupe interparlementaire sur la liberté religieuse, a dénoncé la complicité implicite de Bruxelles. Il a révélé que des fonds européens ont même été versés à des séminaires religieux, et appelle désormais à une action parlementaire.

L’enseignement promu au Pakistan ne s’arrête pas aux frontières du pays. À travers l’immigration, une partie de cette idéologie importée prolifère sur le sol européen. En tolérant, voire en finançant ces dérives, l’Union européenne prend le risque d’alimenter, à terme, l’islamisation de ses propres sociétés.

Crédit photo : DR (photo d’illustration)
[cc] Breizh-info.com, 2025, dépêches libres de copie et de diffusion sous réserve de mention et de lien vers la source d’origine

Original link: https://www.breizh-info.com/2025/04/27/246375/education-islamiste-au-pakistan-lunion-europeenne-epinglee-pour-son-financement-a-coup-de-millions-deuros-dun-systeme-contraire-a-ses-propres-valeurs/

27 April 2025
EU Funds Islamist Indoctrination in Pakistani Schools

The bloc has “lost its credibility as a commercial power guided by human values,” human rights activist said.

Between 2016 and 2024, the European Union spent upwards of €150 million on education in Pakistan, according to a 2024 report entitled Pakistan, Education System, Curriculum and EU Funding, authored by Sallux/ECPM (the European Christian Political Movement).

The ECPM report contains over 40 pages of excerpts and pictures from textbooks which show that the views expressed in Pakistan’s official curriculum are not compatible with the EU values expressed in its Charter of Fundamental Rights.

This misuse of EU taxpayers’ money was revealed at a gathering at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva during the recent 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) encourages developing countries (such as Pakistan) to pursue sustainable development and good governance. Eligible countries must implement 27 international conventions on “human rights, labor rights, the environment and good governance”.

The EU is currently Pakistan’s second most important trading partner as, two years ago, it accounted for 15.3% of Pakistan’s total trade. Pakistan is a major beneficiary of the trading opportunities offered by the EU’s GSP. Since January 1, 2014, Pakistan has benefited from generous tariff preferences (mostly zero duties on two-thirds of all product categories) under the so-called GSP+ arrangement.

The event at UN headquarters, titled “Human Rights in Pakistan: Education Under Siege—Ideology, Intolerance, and the Erosion of Human Rights in Pakistan,” spotlighted the country’s Islamic extremist education system and its escalating human rights abuses. It was organized by CAP Freedom of Conscience, a French NGO with special consultative status to the UN, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), and Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD).

Former EU Commissioner Ján Figeľ, also the first EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Relief outside the EU, said in his keynote address that “Pakistan’s constitutional and penal structures—particularly the blasphemy laws—are uniquely harsh and foster widespread discrimination.”

Figeľ cited a case where Pakistani Islamic clerics forced a college professor, Sher Ali, to publicly renounce teaching a number of beliefs and ideas as against Islamic law. One such idea was Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. In 2022, Ali’s car was attacked with a magnetic bomb, leaving him in a wheelchair for months.

“Pakistan is the largest beneficiary of GSP+ preferences, yet there has been little improvement in human rights,” he said. “ The EU must reassess the cost of this silence.”

His call was backed by Willy Fautré, Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers. “This is not education—it is ideological coercion,” Fautré said. “The EU’s credibility is at stake. If Europe is to remain a human rights actor, it must ensure that public funds do not enable the erosion of pluralism and academic freedom.”

Fautré noted:

By accepting de facto this situation and by failing to sanction Pakistan’s non-implementation of the GSP+, the EU has misused the money of the EU taxpayers and has lost its credibility as a commercial power guided by human values.”

Fautré listed some of the “persistent egregious human rights violations that have remained unchanged for 10 years,” including the fabrication of blasphemy cases against Christians, Ahmadis, and other religious minorities; acts of violence and mob violence against members of minority religious communities; and the persistence of madrassah religious schools, beacons of indoctrination and extremism, which are out of control of the state.

Akey topic addressed by speakers was the ‘Single National Curriculum (SNC),’” which was introduced in 2020 in Pakistani state schools.

“[The curriculum] drew strong criticisms from education experts and human rights defenders for its lack of inclusivity, the over-emphasis on Islamic religious content at the expense of religious minorities, the subliminal ideology of Islamic supremacy and poor pedagogy,” Fautré noted.

The human rights organization Open Doors also referred in its 2024 report to Pakistan’s “increasingly Islamizing culture” and educational system:

The introduction of a ‘Single National Curriculum’ in schools denigrates religious minorities and enforces the teaching of the Quran and subjects like Mathematics and Science in an Islamized manner. Thus, religion is permeating school education, dividing children and families. Radical Islamic groups are flourishing … and are used by various political groups as allies.

Inna Chefranova, Executive Director of the European Facilitation Platform, addressed the plight of girls from religious minorities who are subjected to abductions, forced conversion, and forced ’marriage.’ She cited the case of a 13-year-old Catholic girl, Arzoo Raja, who was abducted, converted to Islam, and forcibly married to an older man in 2020, illustrating the consequences of Pakistan’s judiciary and education system.

“The EU cannot continue to provide GSP+ privileges while systemic abuse persists. Monitoring without enforcement fails victims,” Chefranova said. “Education should be a tool of inclusion, not indoctrination. Until reforms are implemented, support should be conditional on measurable progress.”

A recorded message from MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen, Co-Chair of the EU Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief, was also shared during the event.

“We fund education in Pakistan, yet we disavow responsibility for what that education teaches. That is unacceptable,” Ruissen noted.

A 2024 inquiry made by Ruissen to the European Commission confirmed that EU taxpayers’ money had been provided to “religious seminaries” in Pakistan. Referring to the inquiry, Ruissen called for parliamentary action. He noted that “the EU must integrate these concerns into the upcoming GSP+ review. We cannot subsidize hate and exclusion.”

As a result, the EU enables a discriminatory and extremist curriculum which leads to the further Islamization of the Pakistani population. The EU is also supporting the oppression of everyone in the country who is not an Islamist, an abusive culture that is transported to Europe through mass migration. Sadly, it appears that the EU has—to a certain extent—become an enabler of Islamization in both the Old Continent and overseas.

By Uzay Bulut

europeanconservative.com

EU Funds Islamist Indoctrination in Pakistani Schools

23 April 2025
PAKISTAN: Former EU Special Envoy on FORB spoke on human dignity in Pakistan at the UN

On 26 March, CAP/ Liberté de conscience and Human Rights Without Frontiers organized a side-event about the situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. The keynote speaker was Mr Jan Figel, EU Commissioner for Education (2004-2009) and former EU Special Envoy of Freedom of Religion or Belief (2016-2019). Here are the main insights of his presentation.

HRWF (19.04.2025) – “Pakistan is a big country with a big potential. It’s a nuclear power but also a relatively poor state. The European Union has a special relation with this country due to the GSP+ trade agreement which is normally or basically oriented towards the least developed countries to facilitate their exports to Europe. In this regard, Pakistan is by far the largest partner of the European Union and the biggest beneficiary of this arrangement. The impact of the European Union policy should and can therefore be significant.”

The EU, freedom of religion or belief and human dignity in Pakistan

“Freedom of religion or belief is a very central human right. It’s in the centre of the whole list of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The centrality of Article 18 is very important and the content is very particular. It is in fact freedom of thought, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.

It speaks about human rationality, morality and spirituality. It is important for all, believers, non-believers, for people from A to Z, which means from Atheists up to Zoroastrians. It is for all, not only some, not only majorities, not only minorities. It is for all.

And it is actually a litmus test of all human rights because it is internal, it is the deepest freedom of a human being. In addition, there is a very close or deep nexus between religious freedom and human dignity.

As I said, Article 18 speaks about rationality, morality and spirituality of each human person. And human dignity is the basis of freedom, peace, justice and equality. It’s the precondition of a dignified life.

And of course, human dignity is a fact from which human duties and human rights are derived.

It is mentioned five times in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and also in many constitutions, including the constitution of India, Pakistan and my country, Slovakia. The problem is that for many people in Pakistan human dignity is not respected today.””

The roots of the disregard of human dignity

“The reasons are mostly linked to the state policies which started or were inherited from the time of Zia ul Haq’s government in Pakistan and the military junta which came with the Islamisation of the state to keep the ideology in power, not only with guns. For example, the penal code was moved to an extreme level. It is indeed very exceptional to have a penal code providing for death penalty or lifelong imprisonment on blasphemy charges. It’s unique and mandatory. It means a lot of damage for peaceful coexistence and cohabitation. I would say politically that the legacy of Zia ul Haq in Pakistan is today more important than the legacy of Ali Jinnah, the founding father, the dreamer, the visionary of a future Pakistan being a tolerant and pluralistic country.

Unfortunately, I have seen personally, being there several times, that extremist movements are stronger than political parties. They can paralyse the state, state authorities and law enforcement in the country.

The justice system is functioning but it is slow and relatively weak. Education, which is so important, is marked by ideology, intolerance, supremacy of one religion. It serves or works against inclusion of all. Madrasas are institutions of radicalisation.”

The impact of the disregard of human dignity

“Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus and other minorities are under pressure and discrimination in Pakistan. There are extensive attacks on a daily basis and of course there are damages on places of worship, cultural heritage and so on. Pakistan is regrettably very often in the leading group in negative rankings about the situation of human rights or religious freedom reports.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom put Pakistan in the CPC category, Countries of Particular Concern. Also Aid to the Church in Need or Open Doors and other NGOs.

Positive change or difference is however possible. I was several times in Pakistan. When I was there, it was not to interfere into domestic issues but it was for a dialogue between mature partners, with respect but also with clear principles: mutually beneficial and win-win policies, working together and even achieving some improvements.

The GSP+ was and remains a very important and great instrument as it grants enormous trade privileges to Pakistan. My message was mainly that in Pakistan a status quo is not enough and cannot be taken for granted and with satisfaction. Justice delayed is justice denied. It’s a general principle.

It’s not only in Pakistan but it is everywhere. And therefore, to modernise, mobilise and work on justice for all is important. A personal experience as an example.

A lady was sentenced twice to death and spent nine years on the death row. Her family who was under enormous threats was taken care by another family. In 2019, we managed to save the caretaking family with the kids first, then the mother, her husband and also another family, a Muslim family which was also under existential threat as they had helped me as interpreters in the Punjab.

So, this religious intolerance or hatred is damaging for all, not only for minorities, but also for majorities. I wanted to mention this case to stress that the European Union did life-saving work. The EU can do it, it can help, it can really make a difference even in countries like Pakistan but it must be more systematic.”

Pakistan’s controversial school education system

“Ladies and gentlemen, the silence of the European Commission in times of persecution and violent extremism is often painful, which is the case with Pakistan. The promotion of societal segregation from early childhood is against human rights, peaceful coexistence and social inclusion of minorities. EU’s financial assistance to detrimental religious education in Pakistan should therefore be stopped immediately. We too often hear soft words and messages from the European Union and United Nations agencies but courageous and efficient action and deeds are missing or fail to follow.

From 2004 to 2009, I was an EU Commissioner for Education. My input to the current or next generations of the world 20 years ago was the Erasmus Mundus Project, the best ever university exchange and mobility program. I also implemented the Bologna Process which aims to make it possible for academic qualifications to be recognized EU-wide and 16 years ago I launched the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a life-long learning program.

The message of this program was that ‘education unites.’ This sort of education is needed in Pakistan for Pakistani, for people living and struggling there. Not in exile or elsewhere in the world but at home in Pakistan.” They could hereby be better off, they could be richer and they should be richer.”

A call to the EU and the UN

“I call on the UN agencies, the European Parliament and the Commission to review their education support for Pakistan and I call on the EU to review its GSP+ agreement with Pakistan, this year, with an unquestionable commitment to human dignity for all and human rights for all, including for religious and ethnic minorities. It is now without delay that it must start.”

Original link: https://hrwf.eu/pakistan-former-eu-special-envoy-on-forb-spoke-about-human-dignity-in-pakistan-at-the-un/

19 April 2025
Čo hovoria Čarnogurský, Palko, Figeľ a Hrušovský na hlasovanie KDH a Smeru o zmenách v ústave

Parlament rozhodol, že ďalej bude rokovať už len o vládnom návrhu ústavného zákona v kultúrno-etických otázkach. Podobnú iniciatívu KDH poslanci koalície odmietli. Od kresťanských demokratov teraz závisí, či Ficovu novelu ústavy napokon prijmú.

Erik Tomáš (zľava), Robert Fico, Milan Majerský. Foto: Roman Hanc/TASR

Igor Stupňan|10.4. o 18:00

Vládny návrh stanovuje, že štát uznáva len pohlavie muža a ženy. Podobne ako KDH hovorí o zvrchovanosti štátu v kultúrno-etických otázkach. Zámer vlády upravuje výchovno-vzdelávací proces v školách, adopcie detí a rovnaké odmeňovanie mužov a žien.

Koalícia má dohromady 79 hlasov, klub KDH disponuje 11 hlasmi. Ak sa k tomu pripočítajú ešte dva hlasy poslancov Anny Záborskej a Richarda Vašečku z Kresťanskej únie, zmena ústavy má šancu na schválenie. Potrebných bude aspoň 90 hlasov. Predseda KDH Milan Majerský tvrdí, že hnutie je pripravené rokovať, aby sa jeho zámery dostali do vládneho návrhu.

Bývalých kresťansko-demokratických politikov sa Štandard spýtal dve otázky:

1. Ako ste vyhodnotili, že KDH nepodporilo vládny návrh na zmenu ústavy v kultúrno-etických otázkach a koalícia zase nehlasovala za návrh ústavného zákona v tejto veci z dielne KDH?

2. Teraz sa už bude rokovať v parlamente iba o návrhu vlády. Myslíte si, že koalícia sa s KDH dohodne na kompromise a KDH nepodľahne tlakom zvnútra alebo opozičných strán PS a SaS, že nemá spolupracovať na zákone s vládnou koalíciou?

Ján Čarnogurský, bývalý predseda KDH:

Ján Čarnogurský. Foto. František Iván/TASR

1. KDH vidí prednosti svojho návrhu a vládna koalícia zasa toho svojho. Každý návrh je politicko-ideologicky podmienený tým, kto ho vypracoval. Nevidím tragédiu v tom, že KDH hlasovalo oddelene.

2. Nepustím sa do predpovede, ako si myslím, že KDH bude hlasovať, tým viac, že nemám žiadne kontakty s KDH, a teda ani žiadne informácie. Pri ďalšom hlasovaní sa však ukáže politická rozhľadenosť najmä KDH. V politike veľmi často, ak nie aj vždy, nemožno dosiahnuť všetky svoje ciele a treba robiť isté kompromisy.

Do ďalšieho legislatívneho procesu prešiel iba vládny návrh. Aj keď nemá všetky prednosti, ktoré KDH videlo vo svojom návrhu, ale v každom prípade má viacero predností z hľadiska ideovej línie KDH. To znamená, že KDH by malo vládny návrh podporiť, pretože ak aj nedosiahne všetky svoje ciele, ale aspoň časť z nich by dosiahlo schválením spomínaného vládneho návrhu.

Vladimír Palko, exminister vnútra:

Vladimír Palko. Foto: Matúš Zajac

1. Predovšetkým treba zdôrazniť, že návrh KDH je komplexnejší a celkovo lepší. O Smere je známe, že spoľahlivo zahlasuje za konzervatívne návrhy vtedy, keď je ich predkladateľom. To je štýl ich predsedu. Veľkorysosť tam absentuje. Aj za ochranu manželstva zahlasovali v roku 2014, ale v roku 2009 hlasovali proti. Aj teraz nehlasovali za návrh KDH. Tento spôsob ich konzervativizmu zostane zapamätaný.

Čo sa týka toho, že KDH nehlasovalo za návrh Smeru, neviem, či neriskovalo to, že ani ten by neprešiel. Mali hlasovať za.

2. V druhom čítaní by sa KDH malo snažiť o vsunutie prvkov zo svojho návrhu do návrhu Smeru. Keby aj nebolo úspešné, malo by za návrh zahlasovať. KDH z toho môže vyjsť ako to principiálne, škoda toho hlasovania v prvom čítaní, mohlo z toho vyjsť ešte lepšie. Smer bude vyzerať ako mocenský hráč, ktorého presvedčenie je otázne.

Ján Figeľ, bývalý predseda KDH:

Ján Figeľ. Foto: TASR/Michal Svítok

1. Potvrdilo to prevládajúcu jednostrannosť v príprave a neschopnosť hlbšej dohody vo veci. Akoby rýchlosť predloženia vážnych zmien a intenzita ich komunikácie v médiách boli dôležitejšie než výsledok. O základných hodnotách nestačí hovoriť – treba ich múdro upevňovať v osobnom a spoločenskom živote. Obávam sa, že nezrelé prístupy neprinesú dobrú zmenu ústavy.

Keď KDH v roku 2014 navrhovalo zmenu ústavy vo veci ochrany manželstva, nepredložili sme stranícky návrh, ale text podpísaný 40 poslancami – to je dodnes rekord v našom demokratickom parlamentarizme. Potom som sa ako predseda KDH stretol s predsedom Smeru a vlády, keďže v tom čase vyšiel s vládnym návrhom na ústavné zmeny v justícii. S cieľom presadenia návrhov sme sa stretli opakovane a vznikol z toho spoločný návrh integrujúci obidve témy. V prvom čítaní vďaka vzájomnej podpore prešli ďalej oba návrhy. V druhom čítaní to dopadlo podľa dosiahnutej dohody. O tom príbehu je vydané aj knižné svedectvo. Konštruktívne vyjednávanie, kvalitný návrh a dodržiavanie dohôd – to je aj dnes cesta k dobrým výsledkom pre národ a spoločnosť i pre zúčastnené strany.

2. Tlakom podliehajú mäkkýše, kým zrelí ľudia s chrbticou a charakterom zodpovedne menia vývoj a spoločnosť. Hlasovanie potvrdilo dominanciu politickej jednostrannosti. Konečný výsledok bude závisieť od toho, čo prevládne v nasledujúcich týždňoch – straníckosť a partikulárne záujmy alebo úsilie o konštruktívnu dohodu a spoločné dobro. Všetko ostatné je politické pózovanie a rečnícky folklór.

Pavol Hrušovský, bývalý predseda KDH:

Pavol Hrušovský. Foto: Jakub Kotian/TASR

1. Stále existuje priestor na rozhovory. Odporúčal by som KDH, aj keď jeho návrh neprešiel, aby rokovalo o zmenách v ústave a presadilo svoje zámery. Nechal by som na vyjednávačoch KDH, v akom rozsahu sa im to podarí.

2. Odporúčal by som, aby sa najskôr vedenie strany a poslanecký klub KDH dohodli, čo je ich najväčší záujem pri presadzovaní ustanovení, ktoré by chceli zmeniť a zapracovať do vládneho návrhu. Potom už bude záležať na výsledkoch rokovaní, čo budú považovať za úspech, aby KDH bolo pripravené podporiť v druhom čítaní aj vládny návrh zákona, hoci tam problém vidím v inom ako v obsahu.

https://standard.sk/919640/co-hovoria-carnogursky-palko-figel-a-hrusovsky-na-hlasovanie-kdh-a-smeru-o-zmenach-v-ustave

10 April 2025