We are ready to work together at FoRB and beyond to make it a reality. Ambassador Imam Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui
PAKISTAN: Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and as such often incorporated as a right in national constitutions. This is an issue that we all should care about. Although the right to freedom of religion or belief is enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it is regrettable, indeed tragic, that too many people around the world continue to live in fear of persecution on the basis of what they choose to believe or not to believe, or indeed how they choose to practice those beliefs. Being denied the fundamental human right of freedom of religion or belief can be devastating for individuals and communities. There has been concern from countries committed to human rights that more should be done to promote freedom of religion or belief for all.
In a statement issued on Tuesday Ambassador at Large for Global Peace & Human Rights Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) said that the Freedom of Religion or Belief Ministerial Conference 2022 global gathering will focusing on understanding, forgiveness, and relationship building, religious intolerance and persecution are often at the heart of foreign and development challenges. Promoting the right to FoRB for all is one of the UK’s long standing priorities. Again the UK is committed to defending FoRB for all around the world, and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities.
Ambassador at Large for Global Peace & Human Rights Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) said that Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) greatly appreciates the UK hosting this important gathering bringing together international leaders, governments, Parliamentarians, religious leaders, policymakers, peacemakers, civil society at the Freedom of Religion or Belief Ministerial Conference in London, to combat persecution. The ambition of the conferences is to talk, to promote dialogue, allowing free conversation to move towards change. The conference is an opportunity to connect those working to address religious inequalities with those working in development and humanitarian action.
Special Thanks to Minister of State Lord Ahmad Tariq and Fiona Bruce MP, Foreign, Commonwealth& Development Office and UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, teams for their incredible work. We very much welcome the UK’s hosting of the 2022 Ministerial, as well as its strong focus on freedom of religion or belief more generally. My best wishes to them for a productive conference.
Chairman Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui said that in many parts of the world, non-religious people are so severely persecuted that it is impossible for them to be open about their beliefs. It is therefore essential that all governments of goodwill stand up not just for freedom to have or practice a religion, but also to hold non-religious beliefs. We hope the Ministerial helps more countries to recognize this.
International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) 2022, will be the chance for all who champion freedom of religion or belief to build broad coalitions not just between governments but also with civil society actors committed to this freedom around the world to share good practice and to work together.
?Freedom of Religion or Belief is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and as such often incorporated as a right in national constitutions. Interfaith Commission for Peace &Harmony (ICPH) work in Pakistan, shows that religious inequalities are rife, especially towards those from non-majority faiths or those of non-faith at all. Religious inequalities can be experienced as stigma, systematic, discrimination, economic marginalization, hate speech and violence targeted at individuals, communities and their heritage.
He said thatInterfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) welcomes the formation of the International Religious Freedom, and looks forward to its efforts to defend & promote the universal right to freedom of religion and belief abroad. Everything we are doing is for freedom. Especially for religious freedom.The International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) today highlights the need for such conversations, but most importantly concrete action so that we protect & promote FoRB for ALL.
