International Conference “Christians in the OSCE Region: State of Their Religious Freedoms”
Address by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions Tetiana Izhevska
(Rome, 29 November 2013)
The promotion and pursuit of tolerance and mutual understanding is fundamental in an area as diverse as the OSCE region is. The OSCE views the issue of combating discrimination against Christians as part of its work in the Human Dimension of security while addressing the phenomena of racism, xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance. It is firmly anchored in the organizations commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In 2011 the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted a Resolution on combating intolerance and discrimination against Christians in the OSCE area. Thereby Parliamentary Assembly recommended that a "public debate on intolerance and discrimination against Christians be initiated and that the right of Christians to participate fully in public life be ensured" that, "in view of discrimination and intolerance against Christians, legislation in the participating States, including labour law, equality law, laws on freedom of expression and assembly, and laws related to religious communities and right of conscientious objection be assessed" and encouraged "the media not to spread prejudices against Christians and to combat negative stereotyping" and encouraged "Christian churches to continue their participation in public life contributing to the defence of the dignity of all human beings and to freedom and social cohesion".
Nevertheless, I regret to say that discrimination and intolerance towards Christians are still present in today’s society and manifest themselves in many different ways and remain a continued threat to peaceful co-existence and community cohesion in many parts of the OSCE region. In spite of the commitments undertaken by member States of the OSCE in the area of religious freedom, in some countries intolerant and even discriminatory laws, decisions and behaviour, either by action or omission, which deny this freedom, still exist against Christian Church and Christian communities, as well as their members. A destruction of a statue of Our Lady in Bordeaux in October this year is worth mentioning as an illustration of the existing problems. An indication for a hate-motivated crime is the fact that the head of the statue could not be found.
Moreover, in some countries that are the OSCE Partners for co-operation, including in the Mediterranean region, Christians also face intolerance, discrimination and hate crimes. As a recent example one may give an armed attack that took place in Egypt at the end of a wedding ceremony in a church that resulted in human casualties.
One particular problem is obvious discrepancy between the available data on the actual situation of Christians in the OSCE region. For example, let me refer to the 2012 edition of Hate Crimes in the OSCE Region – Incidents and Responses, the latest in a line of annual reports prepared by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) as part of the OSCE’s efforts to combat hate crime. The report is based on the data received from the 40 participating States who responded to a request for information by ODIHR, as well as on reports of hate crime incidents from 100 non-governmental organizations from the entire OSCE region. It includes separate section on Christians and members of other religions. However, very little official information on crimes and incidents motivated by a bias against Christians was reported to ODIHR.
On the other hand, some Christian organisations, like the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians report on numerous cases that confirm the existence of the phenomenon of intolerance and discrimination against Christians in Europe. Apparently some cases of non-tolerance and discrimination remain under-reported to the OSCE.
Touching upon the eventual prospects of combating discrimination against Christians it is necessary to underline that many existing problems are often associated with complicated relationship between representatives of different beliefs or a need to strike a wise balance between religion and secular society. Apart from states’ action on fighting intolerance and discrimination, different social and religious communities should better organize themselves to confront the phenomena and enhance their cooperation with public institutions. However, it is important to see the big picture and not just to defend once own narrow interests. We have to admit that literally everyone of us may be discriminated in a certain sense. In my understanding the problem of discrimination and intolerance is a common issue that demands joint efforts.
A significant responsibility in this respect lays on social and religious leaders who can make a difference by condemning such acts, making joint statements of solidarity with victim communities and appearing in public together to send a signal of mutual tolerance and acceptance.
Different fora proved to be a powerful and successful platform to impulse social and interreligious dialogue. Indeed, there is always a room in this life for dialogue and accord when representatives of different groups meet, freely exchange opinions and discuss the burning issues. Let me give you just one example. 27 years have passed since Pope John Paul II invited representatives of the world religions to the first World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy in 1986 to spend a day together with fasting and praying. In this regard it is, by the way, very symbolic that this conference takes place at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas - alma mater of Blessed John Paul II, well-known for his devotion to promotion of tolerance and mutual respect.
A significant responsibility in this respect lays on religious and social leaders who can make a difference by condemning manifestations of intolerance, making joint statements of solidarity with communities and appearing in public together to send a signal of mutual acceptance.
Taking into account the fact that this conference takes place at the university I can not but underline the key role of education in promotion of mutual respect and understanding, necessary to combat intolerance and discrimination, including against Christians. Once again social and religious leaders, enjoying the status of moral authority within their communities, may and should play the special role in education of the younger generation – in the spirit of compassion, responsible behaviour and peace. They should give an example and inspire young generation to become messengers of peace not drawn into radical confrontations. Proper education in the spirit of mutual respect is indeed one of the key elements to succeed in combating discrimination and intolerance. Youth may not only constitute a prerogative target group in this regard but has to become an advanced environment and a progressive part of society as it concerns combating all forms of discrimination and to become a powerful engine for generating new ideas in this respect. A stake must be made on young people also taking into consideration the power of internet and social networks, so highly used by young generation, which may trigger truly multiplied and turbulent positive effects in fighting racism, xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance.
In my opinion social and religious dialogue, cultural inclusion and education in the spirit of mutual respect, tolerance, compassion, responsible behaviour and peace are the essential elements to succeed in combating against any kind of discrimination and intolerance, including against Christians.
In conclusion I would like to once again extend my thanks all the distinguished participants of the conference, many of which came from abroad especially for this event. I express my sincere gratitude to H.E. Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe for his personal attention to this event. Let me also thank the University of Angelicum, and particularly the Faculty of Social Sciences for all their valuable support in the organization of present conference.