The Faith and Liberty Summit IV, held September 24-25 at the Latin American Parliament in Panama City, brought together a diverse coalition of voices in support of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. With more than 40 international speakers representing a wide range of beliefs—including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Scientologists, Indigenous Mayans, Sikhs, Hindus, and non-believers—the summit served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration. Keynote speakers included the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Dr Nazila Ghanea.
In an important speech delivered digitally at the Faith and Freedom Summit held at the Latin American Parliament in Panama, Dr. Nazila Ghanea highlighted the essential role of ensuring that no one is subjected to discrimination or human rights violations . human rights because of their religion or beliefs. Despite not being able to attend in person, Dr. Ghanea’s speech touched on various relevant themes that are at the heart of global efforts to safeguard this fundamental freedom.
Guarantee freedom of Religion or Belief for all:
Dr. Ghanea began his speech by emphasizing the collective responsibility that each of us shares in respecting freedom of religion or belief. She said: “We have come together… in recognition of the responsibilities we take to ensure that no one is discriminated against. [against] because of their religion or belief, and that each of us can enjoy freedom of religion or belief. » The summit brought together participants from around the world, in person and digitally, to reaffirm the importance of advancing these rights for all.
Diplomacy and freedom of religion or belief:
One of the key themes highlighted by Dr. Ghanea was the intersection of diplomacy and the protection of religious freedoms. She referred to the AHRC 5238 report, presented to the UN. Human Rights Council in March 2023, which focused on the global landscape of freedom of religion or belief. The report draws attention to the growing number of actors involved in this diplomacy and calls on them to defend the universality and indivisibility of human rights. Despite this growing commitment, Dr Ghanea warned that “the challenge before us remains daunting”, calling for sustained efforts in this area.
Regional and international cooperation:
Dr. Ghanea highlighted the importance of collaboration between regional and international systems to protect religious freedoms. She highlighted the productive engagement between her mandate and regional bodies like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court. “It is essential that we are informed, that we are open and that we allow the possibility of collaboration,” she stressed. Such cooperation is essential to share best practices, provide support and even undertake joint actions where possible.
Involvement of the grassroots and civil society:
Another crucial theme of Dr Ghanea’s speech was the role of national systems, civil society and popular movements in promoting freedom of religion or belief. She referred to her October 2023 report (A78207) to the United Nations General Assembly, which examined this right from a local perspective. “If we don’t look at it from the point of view of the beneficiary, which is everyone, then what is the point of freedom of religion or belief? » she asked rhetorically. Dr. Ghanea emphasized that state actors have a legal obligation, while non-state actors have the responsibility to ensure the full realization of this right.
At the national level, she emphasized that the state’s obligation extends to various authorities, from the federal to the municipal level, and that these actors must be sensitized, trained and held accountable. Non-state actors, particularly civil society, play a vital role in strengthening national policies and holding governments accountable to their international human rights obligations.
The role of the media in promoting religious freedom:
Dr Ghanea also spoke about the impact of the media in promoting or preventing freedom of religion or belief. She referred to AHRC Report 5547, presented in March 2024, which discussed the role of media and civil society in combating advocacy of hatred based on religion or belief. She emphasized that media responses, alongside state and civil society actions, can have a transformative effect in promoting religious tolerance and understanding.
Religions and beliefs as instruments of peace:
Towards the conclusion of his speech, Dr. Ghanea referenced his upcoming report (A79182) on peace and freedom of religion or belief, which will be presented in October 2024. The report explores how religious freedom can promote peacebuilding and conflict prevention. “Freedom of religion or belief creates the conditions, motivations, justifications and movements for the emergence of peace,” she said, highlighting the potential of this fundamental right not only to guarantee personal freedoms , but also to serve as a cornerstone of global peace and stability. .
Conclusion: a call for continued collaboration and vigilance:
Dr. Ghanea’s speech ended on a note of optimism and a call for continued vigilance and collaboration to ensure freedom of religion or belief. Commending the summit organizers for organizing such a relevant and impactful programme, she reiterated the crucial importance of drawing attention to the responsibilities of state and non-state actors in ensuring this right. She also expressed hope that the summit would strengthen collaboration among political leaders, religious figures, human rights defenders, academics and others to achieve greater effectiveness in safeguarding the freedom of religion or belief for all.
Dr. Ghanea offered his best wishes for the success of the summit and expressed his eagerness to hear about its findings. His message underscored the shared commitment to defending one of humanity’s most fundamental freedoms, ensuring that every person, regardless of their faith or beliefs, can live without fear of discrimination or oppression.
“In summary, I commend the organizers for developing such a relevant work program for the summit and I join all of you in prioritizing and recognizing the crucial obligations of state authorities in guaranteeing this right for each and draw attention to the important responsibilities of the rest of us toward the same goal.” concluded Ghanea.
The Faith and Freedom Summit IV was organized by a coalition of NGOs dedicated to promoting religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, and brought together many personalities such as the OAS representative in Panama. HE Rubén Farje, Reverend Giselle Lima (Coordinator of the Panama Round Table on Religious Freedom in Panama, Mr. Ivan Arjona-Pelado (recently appointed Chair of the NGO Committee on the FoRB for the United Nations in Geneva and who presented the website www.whatisfreedomofreligion.org of the Church of Scientology), Ms. Maureen Ferguson who is one of the USCIRF Commissioners, Jan Figel (former EU Special Envoy for FoRB) and it was opened and closed by the Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Panama, as well as ambassadors from different countries.
Originally published in The European Times.
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