A/HRC/43/72
I.
Recognizing that the open, constructive and respectful debate of ideas
and interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the local, national and
international levels can play a positive role in combating religious
hatred, incitement and violence18
52.
Azerbaijan reported hosting, including in partnership with other countries,
institutions and organizations, regular international forums and conferences dedicated to
issues of multiculturalism, interreligious dialogue and understanding. One international
conference, held in March 2019, had been organized jointly by the State Committee on
Religious Associations and the Caucasus Muslim Board. The second international
conference on interreligious dialogue and radicalism, held in April 2019, had been
organized jointly by the State Committee on Religious Associations, the Baku office of the
European Union and ADA University. Azerbaijan had hosted the Second World Summit of
Religious Leaders, held in Baku on 14 and 15 November 2019, in which important
religious and public figures from more than 70 countries and 10 international organizations
had participated.
53.
Denmark reported that through organizations like Danmission and through the
Danish-Arab Partnership Programme it conducted interreligious dialogue in selected
countries, as well as seminars and meetings in Denmark. The Government had funded
several projects promoting interreligious dialogue in several countries.
54.
In 2019, the Parliament of Portugal unanimously approved 22 June as the National
Day of Religious Freedom and Interreligious Dialogue. 19 The Commission on Religious
Freedom collaborated with the High Commissioner for Migration in organizing the Second
Congress of Interreligious Dialogue, under the theme “Caring for the other”, held in Lisbon
on 3 October 2018.
55.
Romania reported that the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs had organized,
funded and supported numerous national and international events to promote interreligious
and interconfessional dialogue, as well as meetings and conferences organized by the
faculties of theology in Romania, attended by theologians and representatives of all
recognized religions in the country. As a member of the trio of States holding the
presidency of the Council of the European Union, Romania had organized, through the
State Secretariat for Religious Affairs, an international conference on the positive side of
religious freedom and how Governments can engage with religious organizations, which
was held in June 2019 and attended by representatives of religious denominations and other
important officials.
56.
Qatar reported that the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue had hosted
13 editions of the Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, under the patronage of the Emir
of Qatar and with the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The most recent
conference had taken place on 20 and 21 February 2018 on the theme “Religions and
human rights”. In 2019, the Center had continued to support and organize various activities,
including the issuing of publications and interfaith journals, youth forums, sports
tournaments, workshops, book fairs, cultural and literary events, festivals, trainings and
cultural dialogues in Doha and elsewhere. The Centre also worked on round tables and
symposiums with a variety of stakeholders, including young people, media professionals,
institutions, religious leaders, academics and other regional and international organizations.
57.
Moreover, the Center published a magazine entitled Religion focusing on dialogue
among religions and communication among civilizations. Festivals where held, at which
many cultures were represented, and members of the international diaspora in Qatar were
welcomed during important religious holidays, including during the month of Ramadan.
Every year an award is given to individuals who promote principles of dialogue, foster a
culture of peace, fight discrimination and counter extremism based on race or religion.
18
19
10
Ibid., para. 7 (h).
www.parlamento.pt/Paginas/2019/junho/Dia-Nacional-liberdade-Religiosa.aspx.
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