•
Point 6: All forms of discrimination - English
• Point 6: Toutes les formes de discrimination
- French
• Punto 6: Todas las formas de discriminación
- Spanish
• Point 9. Violations of Human Rights
• Point 11. Religious Intolerance
• Point 13. Rights of the Child
• Point 14: Minorities
Commission
on Human Rights
Geneva, 15 March - 23 April 2004
Statement
by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, NGO in special
consultative status with ECOSOC.
Point
6: All forms of discrimination
Mr. Chairman,
Recognizing that religious communities carry their share of the blame
for prejudice and inhumanity toward others, Seventh-day Adventists wish
to reaffirm our commitment to combat actively all forms of discrimination
within our own ranks and around the world. The Adventist Church is present
in 205 nations bringing together over 25 million people from hundreds
of various ethnicities, linguistic communities and many religious backgrounds.
Thus, the Adventist Church is gravely disturbed, in particular, by the
manifestation of racial and religious discrimination in many societies
today, sometimes with violence, and always with the denigration of men
and women.
Racial discrimination is an age-old phenomenon based on ignorance, fear,
estrangement, and false pride. The Declaration on the Elimination of
All Forms of Racial Discrimination accurately states in the fifth paragraph
of its preamble that “any doctrine of superiority based
on racial differentiation is scientifically false, morally condemnable,
socially unjust and dangerous…”
Religious discrimination and intolerance is equally inadmissible. The
Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination
Based on Religion or Belief clearly states in Article 3 that “Discrimination
between human beings on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes
an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the principles of the
Charter of the United Nations, and shall be condemned as a violation
of the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights…”
Mr. Chairman,
In order to progress in our efforts, we must recognize that tolerance
is only the beginning. Adventist Christians realize that we must go
well beyond this unenthusiastic concept and develop sympathy for characteristics
or practices that not only differ, but even conflict with our own. Respect
more than tolerance means not only acceptance of those who think and
act differently than us, but moving in benevolence, responsiveness,
and understanding toward every other human being.
This ideal of total respect and complete acceptance of human diversity
continues to be a driving force of our faith. As a multicultural community
Adventist Christians are learning to advance a culture of acceptance,
love, and respect toward all. The Adventist Church, therefore, urges
the United Nations, government authorities, religious communities, and
NGOs to continue combating these immoral forms of discrimination. The
Adventist Church wishes to witness to and exhibit in her own ranks the
unity and love that transcend racial differences and overcome past alienation
between races and religions. And we wish to spread this healing message
throughout society.
Any other approach destroys the heart of the Christian message and the
human dignity of all peoples.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
TOP
La
Commission des droits de l’homme
Genève, le 15 mars au 23 avril 2004
Déclaration
faite par la Conférence Générale des Adventistes
du Septième Jour, NGO en status consultatif spécial avec
ECOSOC.
Point
6: Toutes les formes de discrimination
M le Président,
Reconnaissant que les communautés religieuses partagent, elles
aussi, une histoire de discrimination et d’actes inhumains envers
les autres, les Adventistes du Septième Jour souhaitent confirmer
son compromis de combattre toutes les formes de discrimination au sein
de son église et dans le monde entier. L’Eglise Adventiste
est présente dans 205 pays accueillant plus de 25 millions de
personnes d’une centaine de groupes ethniques et linguistiques
différents et de plusieurs origines religieuses.
Par conséquent, l’Eglise Adventiste se présente
gravement préoccupée, en particulier, par la manifestation
de la discrimination raciale y religieuse dans beaucoup de société
aujourd’hui, par fois de manière violente, et toujours
avec l’humiliation des hommes et des femmes.
La discrimination raciale est un vieux phénomène fondé
sur l’ignorance, la peur, l’étrangement et un faux
orgueil. La Déclaration sur l’élimination de toutes
les formes de discrimination raciale déclare correctement dans
le cinquième paragraphe de son préambule que “toute
doctrine fondée sur la différenciation entre les races
ou sur la supériorité raciale est scientifiquement fausse,
moralement condamnable et socialement injuste et dangereuse…”
La discrimination religieuse est aussi inadmissible. La Déclaration
sur l'élimination de toutes formes d'intolérance et de
discrimination fondées sur la religion ou la conviction dit clairement
dans l’Article 3 : “La discrimination entre les
êtres humains pour des motifs de religion ou de conviction constitue
une offense à la dignité humaine et un désaveu
des principes de la Charte des Nations Unies et doit être condamnée
comme une violation des droits de l'homme et des libertés fondamentales
proclamés dans la Déclaration universelle des droits de
l'homme …”
M le Président,
Afin de pouvoir progresser dans nos efforts, nous devons reconnaître
que la tolérance n’est qu’un commencement. Nous,
les Adventistes, nous nous rendons compte qu’il est impératif
d’aller au delà de ce concept insuffisant et de développer
une sympathie pour ces caractéristiques et ces pratiques qui
différent et même s’opposent aux nôtres. Le
respect plus que la tolérance nous permet de ne pas seulement
accepter ceux qui pensent et agissent différemment de nous, mais
elle nous permet aussi de nous rapprocher de manière bienveillante,
compatissante et compréhensive envers les autres.
Cet idéal de respect et d’acceptation total de la diversité
humaine est un pilier fondamental de notre foi. En tant que communauté
multiculturelle, l’Eglise Adventiste apprends à promouvoir
une culture d’acceptation, d’amour et de respect envers
tous. Par conséquent, L’Eglise Adventiste recommande avec
insistance aux Nations Unies, aux autorités gouvernementales,
aux communautés religieuses et aux ONG de continuer à
combattre ces formes immorales de discrimination. L’Eglise Adventiste
veut être un exemple et un témoin de l’amour et de
l’unité qui transcendent la discrimination raciale et surmontent
le passé d’aliénation entre les races et les religions.
Nous souhaitons également répandre ce message d’espérance
partout dans le monde. N’importe quel autre démarche détruit
la base du message Chrétien et la dignité humaine.
Merci, M le Président.
TOP
Comisión
de derechos humanos
Ginebra, 15 marzo - 23 abril 2004
Declaración
hecha por la Asociación General de los Adventistas del Séptimo
Día, ONG en status consultativo especial con ECOSOC.
Punto
6: Todas las formas de discriminación
Señor Presidente,
Reconociendo que las comunidades religiosas son igualmente culpables
de actos prejuiciosos e inhumanos hacia otros, los Adventistas del Séptimo
Día deseamos reafirmar nuestro compromiso de combatir activamente
todas las formas de discriminación en nuestra iglesia y en el
mundo. La Iglesia Adventista esta presente en 205 naciones trayendo
así más de 25 millones de personas de cientos de grupos
étnicos, lingüísticos y de varios orígenes
religiosos.
Por lo tanto, la Iglesia Adventista se presenta gravemente preocupada,
en particular, por la manifestación de la discriminación
racial y religiosa que se perpetúa en muchas sociedades hoy en
día, a veces de manera violenta, y siempre con la denigración
de hombres y mujeres.
La discriminación racial es un fenómeno antiguo basado
en la ignorancia, el miedo, el alejamiento y el orgullo falso. La Declaración
sobre la eliminación de todas las formas de discriminación
racial describe apropiadamente en el quinto párrafo de su preámbulo
que “toda doctrina de diferenciación o superioridad
racial es científicamente falsa, moralmente condenable, socialmente
injusta y peligrosa…”
La discriminación religiosa es igualmente inadmisible. La Declaración
sobre la eliminación de todas las formas de intolerancia y discriminación
fundadas en la religión o las convicciones dice en el Artículo
3: “La discriminación entre los seres humanos por
motivos de religión o convicciones constituye una ofensa a la
dignidad humana y una negación de los principios de la Carta
de las Naciones Unidas, y debe ser condenada como una violación
de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales proclamados en
la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos …”
Señor Presidente,
Para poder progresar en nuestros esfuerzos, debemos reconocer que la
tolerancia es sólo un comienzo. Los adventistas sabemos que debemos
superar la idea de una tolerancia obligada y desarrollar a su lugar
una simpatía por esas características y prácticas
que no sólo se diferencian pero que también se oponen
a las nuestras. El respeto más que la tolerancia nos lleva mas
allá de una simple aceptación de aquellos que son diferentes,
y nos acerca en bondad, compasión y comprensión hacia
los demás.
El ideal de respeto y aceptación total por la diversidad humana
continúa a ser un motor de nuestra fe. Al ser una comunidad multicultural,
los adventistas estamos aprendiendo a promover una cultura de aceptación,
amor, y respeto hacia los demás. Por lo tanto, la Iglesia Adventista
urge a las Naciones Unidas, a las autoridades gubernamentales, a las
comunidades religiosas y a las ONG de continuar la lucha en contra de
estas formas impúdicas de discriminación. La Iglesia Adventista
desea ser un ejemplo y un testigo de esa unidad y ese amor que transcienden
las diferencias raciales y superan el alejamiento pasado entre razas
y religiones. Deseamos igualmente compartir este mensaje de esperanza
en todo el mundo. Cualquier otra visión destruye la base del
mensaje Cristiano y la dignidad de todo ser humano.
Gracias, Señor Presidente.
TOP
Commission
on Human Rights
Geneva, 15 March - 23 April 2004
Statement
by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, NGO in special
consultative status with ECOSOC.
Point
9. Violations of Human Rights
From
its very inception over 150 years ago, the Seventh-day Adventist Church
has supported human rights. Inspired by biblical values, Adventists
then chose to be directly involved in the struggle against slavery and
injustice, and continue to work at the forefront of human rights and
religious freedom today. Adventists claim the right of every person
to choose beliefs according to conscience and to practice and teach
his or her religion in full freedom, without discrimination, always
respecting the equal rights of others. Seventh-day Adventists are convinced
that in religion the exercise of force is contrary to God’s principles.
In promoting religious freedom, family life, education, health, mutual
assistance, and meeting crying human need, Seventh-day Adventists affirm
the dignity of the human person created in the image of God.
The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights was written and adopted
by individuals who had emerged from the unprecedented destruction, disorientation
and distress of World War II. This harrowing experience gave them a
vision of, and a desire for, a future world of peace and freedom. Coming
from the best and highest part of the human heart, the Universal Declaration
is a fundamental document standing firmly for human dignity, liberty,
equality, and non-discrimination of minorities. Article 18, which upholds
unconditionally religious liberty in belief and practice, is of special
importance, because freedom of religion is the basic human right which
undergirds and upholds all human rights.
Today the UDHR is often violated, not least Article 18. Intolerance
frequently raises its ugly head, despite the human rights progress accomplished
in many nations. The Seventh-day Adventist Church urges the United Nations,
government authorities, religious leaders and believers, and non-government
organizations to consistently work for the implementation of this Declaration.
This would respond to and help reduce growing and violent religious
extremism, intolerance, hate crimes and discrimination based either
on religion or anti-religious secularism. In this way, the Universal
Declaration will grow in practical importance and luster, and never
risk becoming an irrelevant document.
From a practical perspective, the Adventist Church is alarmed at the
development of religious extremism and its corresponding intolerance
in many parts of the world. The egregious use of political might to
enforce religious conformity goes against the highest ideals of humanity,
and is an affront to the basic principles of human rights. Violations
of these rights are occurring on an increasing scale, as noted by the
UN special rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. We
would point to the following in particular in the special rapporteur’s
conclusions to his 2003 report:
“129.
An examination of the communications under the Declaration on the Elimination
of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion
or Belief reveals violations of the principles of non-discrimination
and tolerance in the area of religion or belief, of freedom of thought,
conscience, religion or belief, of freedom to manifest one’s religion
or belief and of freedom to dispose of religious property.
130. This analysis once again shows an overall rise in intolerance and
discrimination against religious minorities and women in situations
of extreme risk and an increase in religious extremism affecting all
religions.”
The
special rapporteur also goes on to cite specific examples,
including some involving the Adventist community: “the deportation
of Adventists and Protestants in Azerbaijan… and the arrest of
Protestants and Adventists in Turkmenistan.” E/CN.4/2003/66, 15
January 2003.
We wish to place on record our concern for those who are the subject
of religious-based persecution, whether state-initiated or state-complicit.
Such countries include those in which totalitarianism continues to be
enforced as a doctrine of government and those nations where a religious
majority seeks to exercise civil power to the detriment of others.
As a faith community representing more than 25 million people in 205
countries, the Adventist Church wholeheartedly supports those human
rights operations that truly seek to provide the fundamental freedoms
that are increasingly under threat in today’s world.
Thank you Mr. President.
TOP
Commission
on Human Rights
Geneva, 15 March - 23 April 2004
Statement
by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, NGO in special
consultative status with ECOSOC.
Point
11. Religious Intolerance
For more than a century Seventh-day Adventists have been active promoters
of religious freedom. We recognize the need to champion freedom of conscience
and religion as a fundamental human right, in harmony with the instruments
of the United Nations.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a presence in 205 countries. With
some exceptions, however, Adventists constitute a religious minority,
and have at times been subject to restrictions and discrimination. Consequently,
we have always felt it necessary to stand up for human rights.
As loyal citizens, Adventists believe they have the right to freedom
of religion, subject to the equal rights of others. This implies the
freedom to meet for instruction and worship, to worship on the seventh
day of the week (Saturday), and to disseminate religious views by public
preaching, or through the media. This freedom further includes the right
to change one's religion, as well as to respectfully invite others to
do so. Every person has a right to demand consideration whenever conscience
does not allow the performance of certain public duties, such as requiring
the bearing of arms. Whenever churches are given access to public media,
Adventists should in all fairness be included.
We will continue to cooperate and network with others to defend the
religious liberty of all people, including those with whom we may disagree.
Throughout history religious minorities have often been subject to discrimination,
intolerance, and outright persecution. Today, religious intolerance
and prejudice are again on the rise. Notwithstanding the affirmation
of the freedom of everyone to hold and disseminate religious views and
to change one’s religion—an affirmation sustained in the
United Nations instruments and documents comprising an “International
Bill of Rights”—many countries deny this right to their
citizens. We find it particularly egregious that the death penalty is
imposed by some regimes for the simple act of changing from one religion
to another.
International instruments condemn discrimination against minorities,
but tragically, some nations have published lists of religious groups
described as potentially dangerous sects. Anti-sect commissions have
been set up, investigative personnel have been trained, and restrictive
laws passed. Hundreds of thousands of innocent believers are now under
official suspicion and are treated as second-class citizens. All this
violates religious freedom, which is the most basic and essential of
the fundamental rights of humankind. Seventh-day Adventists believe
in obeying the laws of the land as long as they do not conflict with
the laws of God. However, we oppose any law, policy, or activity which
discriminates against religious minorities.
We are particularly concerned at the treatment of religious minorities
in Azerbaijan, Eritrea, the central Asian republics (particularly Turkmenistan),
and the various regimes of south-east Asia.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church stands for religious freedom for everyone,
as well as for the separation of church and state. Scripture teaches
that the God who gave life also gave freedom of choice. God only accepts
homage that is freely given. Seventh-day Adventists further believe
that the law must be applied evenly and without capricious favor. We
submit that no religious group should be judged because some adherents
may appear to be extremists. Religious freedom is limited when aggressive
or violent behavior violates the human rights of others.
In support of Article 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and other international instruments, and in harmony
with its beliefs and its history, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is
fully committed to promote, defend, and protect religious freedom for
everyone, everywhere. To that end, we will continue to cooperate with
the United Nations Human Rights Commission, other international agencies,
and religious organizations to encourage every nation to implement the
fundamental right of religious freedom. In addition, we will continue
to promote dialogue and better understanding between governmental authorities
and people who belong to religious minorities.
TOP
Commission
on Human Rights
Geneva, 15 March - 23 April 2004
Statement
by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, NGO in special
consultative status with ECOSOC.
Point 13. Rights of the Child
Mr. President, on behalf of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists,
I would like to make a statement regarding the Rights of the Child as
pertaining to religious liberty and freedom of conscience.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child has clearly identified the
fundamental human right of religious freedom that is established in
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many other national and
international instruments. In particular Article 14 point 1 obliges
signatories to make a definite commitment to this basic human right:
“States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom
of thought, conscience and religion.”
Additionally, Article 30 expands the right to freedom of worship and
practice as follows:
In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities
or persons of indigenous origin exist, a child belonging to such a minority
or who is indigenous shall not be denied the right, in community with
other members of his or her group, to enjoy his or her own culture,
to profess and practise his or her own religion, or to use his or her
own language.
The Adventist Church is concerned that despite such clear and unequivocal
language, certain states parties are not complying with these explicit
obligations.
Seventh-day Adventists affirm the right of every child to a happy and
stable home environment, and the freedom and support to grow up to be
the person God intended. We also recognize the positive contribution
made by the Convention on the Rights of the Child to assist in making
such a situation a reality through its clear commitment to religious
freedom. As a Church, we seek to aid children who suffer from the following
destructive influences:
Poverty
Poverty impacts children’s development, robbing them of necessary
food, clothing, and shelter, and adversely affecting their health and
education.
Illiteracy
Illiteracy makes it difficult for the parents to earn wages or care
for their family or for the child to reach his or her potential.
Poor health care
Millions of children have no access to health care because they lack
the proper insurance coverage or they live where medical care is unavailable.
Exploitation and vulnerability
Children are corrupted and exploited when they are used for cheap labor,
sweat shops, armed conflict, and the perverted sexual pleasure of adult
predators, and are exposed to sexually explicit materials in the mass
media and on the Internet.
Violence
Every year many children die violent deaths. The vast majority of individuals
who suffer in armed conflicts are women and children. Children bear
deep physical and psychological scars, even after the fighting stops.
In response to the above issues and needs, Seventh-day Adventists have
issued an official statement that identifies the following rights of
children
We
conclude by appealing to the States representatives here to recommit
themselves and their national governments to ensure that the Convention
is not merely a document of good words and intentions, but becomes an
instrument that makes a definite and positive difference for good in
the lives of children in our world today.
Thank
you Mr President.
TOP
Commission
on Human Rights
Geneva, 15 March - 23 April 2004
Statement
by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, NGO in special
consultative status with ECOSOC.
Point
14: Minorities
The
Seventh-day Adventist Church is a faith community representing some
25 million people in 205 countries. On behalf of all minorities, especially
religious, the Church wishes to raise some specific concerns regarding
their treatment by governments and majority organizations within society.
The
exercise of power and control to limit human rights in general and religious
freedom in particular is rightly critiqued by the Universal Declaration
on Human Rights, in particular Article 18. The rights to freedom of
worship, practice and assembly are all guaranteed, as is the right to
educate according to faith convictions, and the right to change religion.
However
such rights are frequently denied religious minorities, a situation
that is frequently compounded by national, ethnic or linguistic discrimination.
How
is it that states around the world continue to both actively suppress
and indirectly discriminate against religious minorities on the basis
of their religious beliefs? As signatories, the nations represented
here today bear the responsibility to ensure that their assurances given
in such matters are upheld so as to ensure the equal and non-discriminatory
treatment of religious minorities.
We
would cite, for example, the situation in several Central Asian republics
where burdensome registration requirements are being implemented that
severely impact the freedom of religious minorities to actively practice
their faith. One particularly egregious example is that of Turkmenistan,
which has adopted an official policy that is hostile to almost all religious
minorities, with the destruction of churches and temples, and the harassment
and persecution of believers.
Other
problems are related to governmental policies that can be seen as directed
against religious minorities. The onerous registration requirements
that are increasingly being developed, for example in Belarus and other
eastern European countries, are clear examples of deliberate discrimination
against minority faiths by the state and suggest undue influence from
representatives of majority religions. The closure of churches in Eritrea
by government action continues to be of grave concern.
Not
directly mandated by the state, but still of great concern, are the
permitted actions of religious majorities against religious minorities.
Here again, states are failing their position as guarantors of safety
and security for all their citizens. To have a priest of a majority
religion, for example in Georgia, lead an attack on members of religious
minorities without arrest or even investigation by the police is an
intolerable situation. Such actions—that include beating and harassment
of members of minority religions, forcible conversions, the burning
of places of worship, stigmatism and discrimination in society and employment—demand
the outright condemnation of all, especially those charged with providing
law and order in these countries.
Worst
of all, of course, are those signatories to the Declaration who completely
ignore its provisions and allow or even sanction the killing of men,
women and children of minority religions. The right to change one’s
religion, as clearly enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, is denied in practice by majority faiths in many nations
who have signed and accepted the provisions of this international declaration.
The right to life is surely the fundamental human right, yet this is
systematically being denied in far too many countries represented here
today.
To
kill—or allow the killing—of human beings simply because
they are of a different faith is surely the ultimate example of gross
human rights violations, and should be repudiated by all here present,
since the right to life is upheld by both the Declaration and many other
international accords, as well as the doctrine of all major religions.
For those who believe they have the power to impose their belief structure
because of their majority status in society, we would remind them that
all religions are a minority somewhere.
Mr.
President, we ask that this body once again categorically and explicitly
condemn all violations and instances of discrimination against religious
minorities, upholding the principle of equality in law and practice,
and demonstrating that any such violations bring the severest response
from the international community.
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