Opposing bloc initiates progressive defamation resolution
The passing of a UN resolution marked a significant shift from problematic resolutions it had tabled in the past. The resolution was tabled by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), an international organisation of Muslim majority states. Previous resolutions tabled by the OIC had called for the protection of religion from criticism while this new resolution defends the freedoms of individual believers.
The shift in tone comes after years of heated debate at the UN, and a departure from the OIC's traditional position, evidenced in the resolutions it has passed in the last twelve years.
The resolution's text affirmed traditional human rights and called for "a global dialogue for the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and diversity of religions and beliefs". <<Read more about UN work in CSW's Response magazine>>.
CSW celebrates UN lobbying success
In 2009 CSW joined over 180 other organisations in condemning the former resolutions, arguing that they were unworkable, inconsistent with individual freedoms and that they effectively justified domestic blasphemy laws such as those in Pakistan, which are routinely misused.
CSW's Public Affairs Officer, Matthew Jones, said "we welcome Pakistan and the OIC's re-wording of its controversial resolutions. We urge the OIC to continue in this direction at the UN General Assembly later in the year towards being fully consistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)."
Alongside public advocacy, privately CSW has encouraged, and will continue to encourage, the UK Government and the EU to prioritise this as an issue of concern at the UN. Meanwhile, lobbying and informing third party governments remains an important strand of CSW's work to ensure greater religious freedom internationally.
Aftermath of Pakistani government leaders' assassination
The resolution also came in the wake of the recent assassinations of Salmaan Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti, two high-profile political leaders in Pakistan who had directly opposed Pakistan's domestic blasphemy laws.
Commenting on this connection, Matthew Jones said, "it has seemed for some time that the tide was shifting on this issue but we are encouraged that this new resolution is so explicit in affirming the importance – and complementary nature – of freedom of religion and freedom of expression. There was also a strong indication at recent UN meetings that a catalyst for the change may have been the domestic and global concern over Taseer and Bhatti's assassinations and increasing worldwide realisation of the negative effects of blasphemy laws."
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Since 1986, almost 1,000 people have been charged under Pakistan's 'blasphemy laws'. Very few have been convicted but many of the accused spend years in prison awaiting a final verdict. During this time, their families are often left with no income, and suffering the stigma of a blasphemy accusation. Even if the accused person is released, they often struggle to get back into their previous trade or even remain in the same area. But they need to pay for food, bills, and a roof over their head, just as we all do, and they often need costly medical care too. This gift covers a month of basic living expenses for an ex-prisoner or their family – this includes food, rent and medical assistance. By choosing to support an ex-prisoner, you'll give them the opportunity to start a new life with dignity.
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