In the light of recent cases of public burning the Holy Book of Muslims – Koran – the main human rights activist of the UN Folker Turk called for religious tolerance and mutual respect, as well as abandon actions that are able to incite hostility and provoke conflicts.
Speaking at the 53rd session of the Human Rights in Geneva, the UN Supreme Commissioner emphasized that a sustainable dialogue between people is possible only with mutual respect. “Having postponed the question of what permits or does not resolve the law, as well as regardless of their own religious beliefs or their absence, people should be respected by each other., Without exception,” said the Turk, whose words are quoted by the press service of the universal Organizations.
The Supreme Commissioner emphasized that restrictions on freedom of speech should be an exception to the rules, especially considering that authoritarian regimes often abuse this measure.
However, he continued, in some cases the application of the principle of freedom of speech can provoke violence and discrimination.
The Turk recalled that because of their religious beliefs, people have repeatedly been subjected to terror and attacks, including in places of religious shipments.
According to the speaker, national courts are obliged in each case to make a decision, guided by the norms of international law.
The Turk recalled that all participants in the international pact on civil and political rights adopted in 1966 are obliged to ban the law of any speech based on national, racial or religious hatred, as well as an incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence .
According to the Supreme Commissioner of the UN Human Rights, social networks play a significant role in inciting conflicts, spreading hateful statements. To deal with these phenomena, he proposes to promote dialogue in all societies, to enlighten the population, to promote interfaith and inter -communal interaction.
The Turk urged the states to double their efforts to implement the action plan to combat intolerance, the formation of negative stereotypical representations, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence, as well as attract the private sector.