The Global Movement of
Moderates (GMM) and The Association for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham)
hosted a Consultation on Religious Freedom or belief in the ASEAN region on
July 2 & 3, 2014 which was attended by about 60 people.
The Consultation was
officially declared open by the YB Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Minister in charge of
National Unity in the Prime Minister’s Department.
This consultation reviewed the
Guidelines prepared by the Indonesian Human Rights Working Group (HRWG)
entitled “How to promote and protect the freedom of religion or belief in the
Asean region?”
Some Observations
First, the Consultation
appreciated the work of HRWG in the preparation of the Guidelines based on
human rights framework and instruments. It is recognised as a very useful tool
for Asean member countries.
Second, the Consultation
recognised that ASEAN and its 600 million people belonging to ten different
nations are very diverse with rich cultures, different linguistic grouping,
numerous ethnic communities, multiple religious and philosophical heritages and
varied historical traditions.
Third, the Consultation noted
that ASEAN has been experiencing many difficult periods of conflict and
contestation especially between majority and minority communities with respect
to religious freedom. In some cases it is not only inter religious conflicts
but also intra religious ones.
Fourth, the Consultation heard
reports of the suffering and violations experienced by the Rohingya community
in Myanmar, many issues confronting Muslim women and unresolved concerns
confronting religious minorities in Malaysia. It was felt that the principles
of mutual respect, moderation and greater appreciation of human rights are a
potential way forward. That these proposed guidelines will enhance greater
promotion and protection of religious freedom.
Fifth, the Consultation
recognised that Asean had formulated and
accepted the Asean Human Rights Declaration which has a specific article on the
protection of religious freedom (Article 22). It reads: - “Every person has the
right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. All forms of intolerance,
discrimination and incitement of hatred based on religion and beliefs shall be
eliminated”. This provides a consensus decision on the promotion and protection
of religious freedom or belief in the Asean region.
Some Recommendations
A number of key
recommendations are proposed and these have implications for Asean member
states including Malaysia.
First, that ASEAN should
establish a High Level Taskforce on Religious Freedom which will review and
address the major grievances and violations.
Second, that ASEAN should
utilise the services of the UN Special Rapporteur for religious freedom namely
Prof Dr Heiner Bielefeldt the current mandate holder in the region and enable
him to make visits to Asean countries especially Myanmar & Malaysia
Third, that ASEAN should
establish an inter-faith dialogue mechanism similar to the networks among
governments, business community, civil society & academic institutions
so as to enhance greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse traditions
and seek to resolve the critical issues through dialogue and discussions.
Fourth, Asean should establish
a grievance mechanism by ensuing the Asean Inter-governmental Human Rights
Commission (AICHR) has a greater protection role including mediating conflict
resolutions.
Fifth, that Asean should
establish a Human Rights Court. There could be also some regional mediation
centres at the Asean level like community mediation or as in the case of
business there are arbitration centres.
Press Statement issued by:
Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (CEO
GMM) & Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (Secretary-General,
Proham)
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