HRC41: Oral Statement during General Debate on Item 3

Agenda Item 3: General Debate

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Elaine Hanlon

Thank you Mr President,

CSW wishes to draw the Council’s attention to discrimination faced by children in educational settings on account of their religion or belief.

In Pakistan, a biased education system facilitates an environment of intolerance and hate speech against religious minorities, contributing to their treatment as second class citizens.

We urge the government of Pakistan to prioritise the right to education by addressing religious and historic biases in both the curricula and textbooks, and by removing discriminatory language, including derogatory references to Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and women.

In Mexico, violations of freedom of religion or belief often lead to the forced displacement of religious minorities from their villages. Displaced children frequently miss out on education, as they often lack the necessary paperwork to enrol in new schools.

We call on the government of Mexico to combat the culture of impunity that often surrounds FoRB violations and ensure that every child is able to access an education, regardless of their religion or belief.

In Nigeria, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) continue to attack, displace and abduct civilians in the north-east, including children.

Notable is the case of Leah Sharibu, who was abducted along with 109 others from their school in Dapchi last year. While the government successfully negotiated the release of her surviving classmates, Leah remains in captivity for refusing to renounce her religious belief.

CSW urges the Nigerian government to do everything in its power to expedite the release of Ms Sharibu and other hostages, and to ensure the armed forces are fully resourced to address every armed faction.

Thank you