Brussels, 22/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - After discussions at its January meeting, when failure to find agreement meant that no conclusions could be adopted, the Foreign Affairs Council of 21 February adopted, without debate (point A) conclusions on intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief. These conclusions stress “protection of freedom of religion or belief without any discrimination” and recall the comprehensive conclusions it adopted on this matter on 16 November 2009.
The text makes only one explicit reference to the persecution of Christians and at the same time condemns acts against Muslims and members of other religious communities. On 31 January, the Council was unable to reach agreement on a statement on religious freedom, with Italy, supported by France, taking the view that the text was too vague and the United Kingdom and a number of northern countries not wishing reference made to any specific religious community (see EUROPE 10306). In its conclusions, the Council extends its condolences and solidarity to the countries hit by acts of terrorism against any religious communities and “pays tribute” to the commitment of countries to prevent such acts. “Freedom of religion or belief is a universal human right which needs to be protected everywhere and for everyone”, the Council says, reminding all states of their duty to protect their citizens, including those belonging to religious minorities, so that they are able to practise their religion and worship freely, without fear of intolerance and attack. The Council also recommends that the international community show firmness towards those who want to use religion as an instrument of division, fuelling extremism and violence. “The EU will continue to engage with partner countries and offer its cooperation to promote religious tolerance and to protect human rights” and will “engage further” in multilateral fora to rally strong cross-regional support in the fight against religious intolerance. In conclusion, the Council invites High Representative Catherine Ashton to report on the measures taken and on concrete proposals to further strengthen EU action in this area.
“Persecution of Christians finally given the attention it deserves”, says COMECE. In a press release, the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) says that the Council conclusions are a “good step in the right direction”. The fusion of “common sense” and “political will” has prevailed to secure the strong statement, which, it states, is “urgently needed” to stop the widespread acts of terrorism and sectarianism against Christians and their places of worship, Muslim pilgrims and other religious communities. COMECE believes the Council should translate its conclusions into concrete action in order to guarantee that Christian and other religious minorities can enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms and to “eradicate the stark sectarian divide, the war of cultures and religions, and the wave of religious-cleansing”. COMECE asks High Representative Catherine Ashton to “make provision in the new European External Action Service to have a permanent institutional approach to protect freedom of conscience and religion around the world”. (I.L./transl.rt)