Mit eindringlichen Worten hat ein Vatikan-Erzbischof vor der UNO zur Einhaltung der
Religionsfreiheit aufgerufen. Vor einem UNO-Komitee in New York meinte der Ständige
Beobachter des Vatikans bei der UNO, Erzbischof Celestino Migliore, gestern, es gebe
derzeit in vielen Teilen der Welt einen besorgniserregenden "Trend" der Diskriminierung
und Verfolgung von Gläubigen. Religionsfreiheit sei mehr als nur einfache Toleranz
- sie meine das Recht, seinen Glauben in der Öffentlichkeit zu bezeugen und zu leben.
Dem schöben viele Regierungen in aller Welt einen Riegel vor. Der Vatikan-Erzbischof
bekannte sich zum interreligiösen Dialog, meinte aber auch wörtlich: "Meine Delegation
ist immer überzeugter, wie wichtig das Bemühen um Gegenseitigkeit ist."
Lesen
Sie hier die Ansprache von Erzbischof Migliore im englischen Original-Wortlaut.
Statement
by H.E. Archbishop Celestino Migliore Apostolic Nuncio Permanent Observer of the Holy
See. 61st session of the UN General Assembly Before the Third Committee, on item
67 (b): Promotion and protection of human rights: Human rights questions, including
alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental
freedoms. New York, 27 October 2006
"Mr Chairman, I would like to take
this opportunity to congratulate you on your election and leadership of this Committee
and thank the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief for her report on
the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance. Three of the themes considered
during her June 2006 visit to the Vatican merit particular attention, namely, the
coexistence of different religions and religious communities, the propagation of religion,
including the sensitive issue of proselytism and the relationship between freedom
of expression and religion. My delegation shares the Special Rapporteur’s position
that the need for interreligious dialogue at all levels is of crucial importance not
only for resolving disputes, but also for fostering peaceful coexistence that enables
all religions to live side by side and in mutual respect. As we celebrate the
twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination
of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, my
delegation is seriously concerned that freedom of religion or belief does not exist
for individuals and communities, especially among religious minorities, in many parts
of the world. We are also concerned that the high level of religious intolerance in
some countries is leading to an alarming degree of polarization and discrimination.
We share a grave duty to work together to reverse this trend. While religious tolerance
is sometimes characterized as accepting or permitting those religious beliefs and
practices which disagree with one’s own, the time has come to move beyond this type
of religious tolerance, and to apply instead the principles of authentic religious
freedom. Religious freedom is the right to believe, worship, propose and witness
to one’s faith. It grants the opportunity and creates the occasions for people to
profess freely the tenets of their faith. Furthermore, it includes the right to change
one’s religion and to associate freely with others in order to express one’s religious
convictions. Religious tolerance is simply a starting point, a basis for universal
religious freedom and there cannot be full religious tolerance without an effective
recognition of religious freedom. We know well that, historically, tolerance has
been a contentious issue among believers of different faiths. However, we have come
to a turning point in history which demands more of us, including a commitment to
interreligious dialogue. At the same time, my delegation is increasingly convinced
of the indispensable importance of reciprocity, which, by its very nature, is apt
to ensure the free exercise of religion in all societies. The Holy See continues
to be concerned by a number of situations where the existence of enacted or proposed
legislative and administrative measures for placing limits on the practice, observance
or propagation of religion are a reality. Likewise, the Holy See is concerned with
those situations where religion or freedom of religion is used as a pretext or a justification
for violating other human rights. Furthermore, there appears to exist a recurring
case of intolerance when group interests or power struggles seek to prevent religious
communities from enlightening consciences and thus enabling them to act freely and
responsibly, according to the true demands of justice. Likewise, it would be intolerant
to denigrate religious communities and exclude them from public debate and cooperation
just because they do not agree with options nor conform to practices that are contrary
to human dignity. National and global decision making, legal and political systems,
and all people of good will must cooperate to ensure that diverse religious expressions
are not restricted or silenced. Every individual and group must be free from coercion
and no one should be forced to act in a manner contrary to his or her beliefs, whether
in private or public, whether alone or in association with others. It is important
here to pay particular attention to the needs of the weakest groups, including women,
children, refugees, religious minorities and persons deprived of their liberty. The
disturbing signs of religious intolerance, which have troubled some regions and nations,
at times affecting even majority religious groups, are much to be regretted. Part
of the founding ethos of the UN is the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion. Therefore, it is this Assembly’s duty to continue to provide the leadership
that ensures and protects these fundamental rights and fosters full religious freedom
in every land. In our diverse and ever-changing world, religion is more than an
internal matter of thought and conscience. It has the potential to bind us together
as equal and valuable members of the human family. We cannot overlook the role that
religion plays in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick and visiting
the imprisoned. Nor should we underestimate its power, especially in the midst of
conflict and division, to turn our minds to thoughts of peace, to enable enemies to
speak to one another, to foster those who were estranged to join hands in friendship,
and have nations seek the way to peace together. Religion is a vital force for good,
for harmony and for peace among all peoples, especially in troubled times. Thank
you, Mr Chairman." (rv 28.10.06 sk)