South Asian Activists Highlight Religious Intolerance at UNHRC

At a UNHRC session, South Asian activists stressed the urgency of protecting minority communities from religious intolerance. The event fostered dialogue on improving advocacy through shared experiences, while urging stronger international and UN action, particularly in countries like Bangladesh. The role of international cooperation was highlighted as crucial.

During the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), human rights defenders and civil society representatives from South Asia raised alarm over growing religious intolerance and the urgent need to protect minority communities. The discussion, titled "Religious Freedom in South Asia," was organized by the Shivi Development Society and IPAC.

Narender Kumar, Executive Director of Shivi Development Society, emphasized the session's role in providing a platform for activists from various countries to discuss the challenges affecting religious freedom in the region. He noted disparities across South Asian nations, with some struggling to implement protective laws, while others face legal frameworks embedded with discriminatory provisions.

The session featured insights from countries including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Speakers shared experiences on advocating for minority rights, with international entities like the World Council of Churches and FORUM-ASIA participating in the dialogue. Rahman Khalilur Mamun of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh highlighted incidents of communal violence in Bangladesh, calling for robust international intervention.

Human rights activist Chongso Joseph underscored the primacy of religious freedom as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stressing the right to practice one's religion without fear. He called for strengthened global cooperation to combat religious intolerance.

(With inputs from agencies.)