ORAL STATEMENT
International Humanist and Ethical Union
United Nations Human Rights Council, 28th Session
Agenda Item 3: General Debate
Speaker: Elizabeth O’Casey
The Special Rapporteur’s report on violence committed “in the name of religion” could not have been more prescient. In the preceding months we have witnessed killings in Paris and Copenhagen and, just a couple of weeks ago, the hacking to death of an atheist on his visit to Bangladesh, all apparently in the name of religion.
These killings highlighted a perceived tension between freedom of belief and expression; indeed many have pushed a narrative of free expression as divisive and fundamental in its causal role when it comes to violence “in the name of religion”.
Not only is this narrative deeply insidious insofar as it seeks to redistribute blame from the perpetrators to those who seek to exercise their human right to free expression, but it is wrong: the right to free expression is essential in countering such violence.
It not only ensures debate, showing-up harmful and erroneous views, it echoes the right to freedom of belief in that it respects human beings by allowing them to air their views, but does not automatically ensure a respect for such views[1].
Grounded in an inherent trust of people as agents who can challenge each other and foster progress, free expression is central to our humanity and dignity; to stifle it, is to belittle and patronise.
The Rabat Plan of Action is a nuanced and powerful tool this Council has to protect free expression whilst preventing incitement. Accordingly, we urge the Council to see that it is recommended for implementation by the forthcoming resolution 16/18 successor and enable National Human Rights Institutions to play a greater role in implementing and monitoring the Plan.
We owe it to those who have been brave enough to protect free expression in these fearful times – by having used it to challenge us and to question power – to stand up for it in this forum. I deliver this statement in memory of Avijit Roy, and those killed in the Paris and Copenhagen attacks.
Endnotes
[1] A/HRC/28/66, §8
'Victim-blaming and violence in the name of religion', Humanists International