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The United
Nations human rights chief spoke out today against the
Swiss ban on the building of new minarets, calling it a
discriminatory and deeply divisive step which risks
putting the county on a collision course with its
international rights obligations.
“I hesitate to
condemn a democratic vote, but I have no hesitation at
all in condemning the anti-foreigner scare-mongering
that has characterized political campaigns in a number
of countries, including Switzerland, which helps produce
results like this,” High Commissioner for Human Rights
Navi Pillay stated.
The ban
results from a referendum held on Sunday on the subject,
which was not supported by the Government of
Switzerland. Ms. Pillay said that banning an
architectural structure that is associated with one
religion only is clearly discriminatory.
The symbol
of religion is attacked
“Some of the
politicians who proposed this motion argued that it
wasn’t targeting Islam or Muslims,” she said. “Others
claimed that banning minarets would improve integration.
These are extraordinary claims when the symbol of one
religion is targeted.” The High Commissioner added that
such a ban is “discriminatory, deeply divisive and a
thoroughly unfortunate step for Switzerland to take, and
risks putting the country on a collision course with its
international human rights obligations.”
Yesterday Asma Jahangir, the Special
Reporter on freedom of religion, voiced her regret at
the vote and its negative consequences for Muslims in
Switzerland.
“Indeed,
a ban on minarets amounts to an undue restriction of the
freedom to manifest one’s religion and constitutes a
clear discrimination against members of the Muslim
community in Switzerland,” she stated. “I have deep
concerns at the negative consequences that the outcome
of the vote will have on the freedom of religion or
belief of members of the Muslim community in
Switzerland,” Asma Jahangir goes on to say, also noting
that the UN Human Rights Committee stated a month ago
that such a ban is contrary to the country’s obligations
under international human rights law.
“This
vote reminds us that no societies are immune to
religious intolerance,” stressed Ms. Jahangir, adding
that “it is therefore more than ever necessary to
continue raising awareness and educating people about
religious diversity, enabling all societies to adopt an
enlightened and progressive attitude towards the beliefs
of other communities.”
Doing so will
help to eliminate the grounds for “irrational fears”
towards Muslims, which have been exploited in
Switzerland for political purposes,” she warned.
The Special Reporter urged
authorities in Switzerland, which has ratified the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to
take the necessary measures to fully protect the right
to freedom of religion or belief for the Muslim
community.
Ms. Jahangir,
who carries out her work in an independent and unpaid
capacity, reports to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights
Council.
Swisslatin
(2.12.2009) |
