A/RES/60/150
Conference-European Union joint forum on the theme “Civilization and harmony:
the political dimension”, held in Istanbul on 12 and 13 February 2002, and
underscoring the fact that such initiatives to deepen dialogue and reinforce
understanding between the two biggest groups of nations of Eurasia and Africa will
be continued,
Reaffirming that discrimination against human beings on the grounds of
religion or belief constitutes an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the
principles of the Charter,
Convinced that religious and cultural diversity in a globalizing world needs to
be used as a vehicle for creativity, dynamism and the promotion of social justice,
tolerance and understanding, as well as international peace and security, and not as a
rationale for a new ideological and political confrontation,
Recognizing the valuable contributions of all religions to modern civilization
and the contribution that dialogue among civilizations can make to an improved
awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind,
Reaffirming that cultural diversity is a cherished asset for the advancement and
welfare of humanity at large and should be valued, enjoyed, genuinely accepted and
embraced as a permanent feature that enriches our societies,
Emphasizing that States, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and
the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance and freedom of
religion and belief, in particular through education that teaches tolerance and respect
for religion and belief,
Alarmed at the continuing negative impact of the events of 11 September 2001
on Muslim minorities and communities in some non-Muslim countries, the negative
projection of Islam in the media and the introduction and enforcement of laws that
specifically discriminate against and target Muslims,
Alarmed also at the serious instances of intolerance, discrimination and acts of
violence based on religion or belief, intimidation and coercion motivated by
extremism, religious or otherwise, occurring in many parts of the world and
threatening the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Noting with concern that defamation of religions is among the causes of social
disharmony and leads to violations of human rights,
Noting with deep concern the increasing trend in recent years of statements
attacking religions, Islam and Muslims in particular, especially in human rights
forums,
Expresses deep concern at the negative stereotyping of religions and
1.
manifestations of intolerance and discrimination in matters of religion or belief still
in evidence in some regions of the world;
Strongly deplores physical attacks and assaults on businesses, cultural
2.
centres and places of worship of all religions as well as targeting of religious
symbols;
Notes with deep concern the intensification of the campaign of
3.
defamation of religions and the ethnic and religious profiling of Muslim minorities
in the aftermath of the tragic events of 11 September 2001;
Expresses its deep concern that Islam is frequently and wrongly
4.
associated with human rights violations and terrorism;
2