UPDATE: Defamation of Religions Resolution

The United Nations has again voted to approve the Defamations of Religions resolution, this time at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.  As weve been reporting to you, this was the expected outcome, as the Human Rights Council is unfortunately dominated by countries with poor human rights records and heavily influenced by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).  This dangerous resolution would actually lead to the criminalization of the Gospel in many parts of the world.

As you know, the ACLJ has been working on this issue with our international affiliate, the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ).  Our efforts have included meetings with the Ambassadors to the Human Rights Council from nations in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Sixteen of the Human Rights Councils 47 seats belong to the OIC, and China and Cuba also hold seats.  This creates an almost unimaginable scenario where some of the worst violators of human rights are tasked with enacting international policies for human rights, including religious freedom.

Yesterdays approval of the resolution resulted after 23 countries voted in favor, 11 against, and 13 abstained.  We were encouraged that, yet again, the no votes and abstentions outweighed the yes votes.

It is important to note two very encouraging developments that occurred with this vote.  First, after meeting with our team, Chile voted against the resolution for the very first time.  This is a significant development in our ongoing educational effort.  Also, in a very courageous vote, Burkina Faso an OIC member nation formally abstained after meeting with our team.  This vote will undoubtedly draw the ire of other OIC nations, and we want to clearly communicate our gratitude to the nation of Burkina Faso for this vote.

In summary, we continue to educate the international community on this crucial issue, and continue to make progress as additional nations join us in our opposition to the Defamations of Religions resolution.  The next major development on this issue will happen in the fall when the full General Assembly will again consider the matter in New York. 

I will certainly keep you updated on our efforts.