Message to U.N. - Protect Religious Freedom

 

The push continues to protect the rights of Christians worldwide.  And, now, our international affiliate, the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) will take its case to the United Nations in New York. 

 

Our legislative team from Washington will be working with the ECLJ at the United Nations (U.N.) in New York next week to generate opposition to a disturbing resolution being promoted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

 

Its called the Defamation of Religions resolution and it essentially prohibits criticism of Islam but fails to protect so-called minority religions, like Christianity in many parts of the world.

 

As you know, the ECLJ has been active in opposing this resolution at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCRH), at the U.N. headquarters in Geneva.  Now, the focus turns to the U.N. in New York. 

 

Over the past few years, many countries that would be our natural allies in the fight for religious freedom have either voted in favor of the resolution or simply abstained from voting on the resolution.  It appears that what is happening is this:  theres been a combination of the aggressive lobbying by the OIC countries as well as a basic lack of education on the issue.   As we have reported before, the international implications of this resolution are clear - the resolution would seriously undermine the individual right of conscience and religious freedom.

 

With that in mind, the ECLJ team has lined up more than a dozen meetings with the representatives from a number of countries concerning this resolution.

 

This is a very important issue and one that we will continue to pursue with the ECLJ.  We will keep you posted as developments unfold at the U.N. next week.