According to research by the United Nations, three-quarters of the world's population live in countries that restrict the right to hold religious beliefs or have a high level of social hostility towards this issue. On Wednesday (October 25), Ahmad Shahid, the UN's prominent human rights rapporteur, stated this in the Human Rights Committee of the General Assembly of the organization. Mr. Shahid announced that the lack of 'religious tolerance' has increased globally. He stated that currently, more than 70 countries have laws against what they call 'blasphemy' and use these laws, which contradict global human rights standards, to suppress opposing views. He urged these countries to amend their laws, as well as any other laws that in any way undermine belief and religious freedoms. According to him, the governance of various countries must pay 'special attention' to preserving the rights of religious minorities. In his remarks, he indicated that the 'increase in illegal restrictions' imposed directly or indirectly by governments against religious groups is one of the main factors contributing to the rise of religious intolerance in societies. Ahmad Shahid referred to direct restrictions that affect all or some religious minorities, as well as indirect restrictions such as preventing the construction of places of worship for certain religious groups or migrants under the pretext of 'national security.' His statements come after numerous reports of official and unofficial pressures by the Myanmar government over several decades against the Muslim Rohingya minority in the country. Reports indicate that the level of structural discrimination against this minority is such that, in addition to affecting all aspects of individual and social life, it has also prevented them from being granted citizenship. Iran is also among the countries where the Baha'i minority is deprived of their rights and has repeatedly been imprisoned due to their beliefs. Sunni Muslims in some cities, including Tehran, are not allowed to have their own mosques for worship, and Sunni leaders have repeatedly criticized this issue.
Ahmad Shahid: Religious Intolerance Has Increased Worldwide
Ahmad Shahid, the UN human rights rapporteur, reported that religious intolerance is increasing globally, with over 70 countries having laws against blasphemy. He called for reforms in these laws and emphasized the need for governments to protect the rights of religious minorities. This issue is significant as it highlights ongoing human rights violations in various countries, including Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Ahmad Shahid reported to the UN General Assembly that religious intolerance is rising globally, with over 70 countries enforcing blasphemy laws that violate human rights. He called for reforms to protect the rights of religious minorities.
- Three-quarters of the world's population live in countries with restrictions on religious beliefs.
- Iran is highlighted as a country where the Baha'i minority faces significant discrimination and persecution.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Religious intolerance has been a persistent issue worldwide, with many countries implementing laws that suppress minority beliefs. Iran's treatment of religious minorities exemplifies these global challenges.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%