HRC42: Oral statement under Agenda Item 3

Agenda Item 3 General Debate

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you Mr President,

CSW is concerned that religious leaders in Cuba continue to experience severe harassment and religious freedom defenders have been subjected to arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances in the aftermath of constitutional changes which significantly weakened protections for freedom of religion or belief.

In July four religious leaders were blocked by the Cuban government from travelling to participate in the US State Department Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.

In recent months Pastor Alain Toledano Valiente received multiple police summons, and was threatened with imprisonment if his church held women and youth events.

We call on Cuba to cease all harassment of religious leaders and allow all to travel freely.

In Mexico, the expansion of violent criminal groups who view church leaders as a threat to power has led to an increase in threats and attacks targeting religious leaders, with crimes committed in a pervading climate of impunity.

More than four religious leaders have been killed in Mexico in 2019, including Protestant Pastor’s Alfrery Líctor Cruz Canseco and Catholic Father’s José Martín Guzmán Vega.

On 18 August Pastor Alfrery Líctor Cruz Canseco was shot and killed as he waited in his car after a service at his church in Tlalixtac de Cabrera, Oaxaca state.

On 22 August Father José Martín Guzmán Vega was killed in his home in Matamoros, Tamaulipas state.

We call on Mexico to guarantee protection for civilian populations in areas under a strong influence of criminal groups, and to conduct full investigations into all attacks on religious leaders.

In Colombia, religious leaders often function as de facto community leaders. This makes them a target for illegal armed groups.

On 10 August Pastor Plinio Rafael Salcedo was killed after he was shot multiple times in his home in Antioquia.

We call on Colombia to conduct full investigations into the killings of religious leaders, and to work with civil society organisations and churches to ensure lasting peace in the country.

Thank you