UN resolution threatens religious freedom
by Staff
November 23, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - A "defamation of religions" resolution, introduced by Pakistan in 1999 at the United Nations' Commission on Human Rights, will be taken up once again at the UN General Assembly in November 2010. According to concerned Christian and human rights groups, the UN Defamation of Religions Resolution threatens the freedom of religion and expression for Christians and members of minority faiths worldwide. It seeks to criminalize words or actions perceived as attacks against a religion, with the focus being on protecting Islam.
These resolutions condemn anything which offends "religious sensibilities" as racism and hate-speech. Unfortunately, the resolutions provide support for blasphemy and similar laws, like the ones which have been used to brutally suppress dissent and religious minorities in Pakistan, Egypt, Iran and elsewhere.
Since 2005 the resolution has been proposed twice a year and, to date, all proposals for the resolution have been adopted. However, over time, the support has been declining; since 2008 the number of "no" votes and abstentions have outnumbered those votes in favour of the resolution. (Sources: Jubilee Campaign, World Evangelical Alliance, Open Doors)
Please pray for all those involved in the decision making process for this resolution. Pray for wisdom, foresight and clarity of mind. Pray that religious freedom will be respected around the world. Pray for the many who suffer for their faith in Jesus.
