A/HRC/28/47
researchers and the general public. The European Commission designated the Observatory
as a good practice in combating religious intolerance (see www.observatorioreligion.es).
65.
The Pluralism and Coexistence Foundation developed a training plan related to the
leadership and management of religious organizations and groups. Its general objectives are
to increase knowledge of the regulatory framework concerning freedom of conscience and
religion in Spain and of the management procedures necessary for the constitution and
functioning of religious entities and their places of worship, and to improve the dialogue
between religious entities and municipal authorities. The Foundation collaborates with
various municipal authorities.
Syrian Arab Republic
66.
The Syrian Arab Republic indicated that media discussions and talk shows to raise
awareness about religious values and the risks associated with hatred and incitement had
been broadcast in the country.
67.
Networks and dialogues in which all religious leaders, as well as politicians and
academics, take part have been established. The national educational curriculum is used to
maintain moderate religious values and to encourage tolerance domestically, and a new eschool project was established to promote opportunities for students to have access to and
follow Ministry of Education curricula. The Syrian Arab Republic stated that,
unfortunately, given the current conflict situation, “books and leaflets were introduced by
terrorist groups” to promote “takhfiris”.
68.
The Government reported that it was aware of the dangerous role the media could
play in the promotion of incitement, noting the use of media to promote fatwas that justified
terrorism and sexual slavery, and that incited discrimination, violence and destruction of the
religious sites of others and the killing of minorities.
69.
The Syrian Arab Republic stated that a new mechanism had been adopted to
decrease tensions among specific religious groups, tensions that had not previously existed
in the country. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has adopted a mechanism that enables it
to oversee all religious groups, achieve equality among them and integrate them in the
country’s activities and planning. The role of the Ministry of National Reconciliation is to
protect Syrian society, especially during the ongoing conflict, and support has been
provided to religious leaders, particularly through consultation with them. The Union of
Scholars of Bilad al-Sham (the Levant) was assigned to promote moderate religious values
and improve understanding between all sects and schools of thought. Meetings between
Muslim and Christian leaders and joint training and seminars have been organized to
promote tolerance and equality in all components of Syrian society.
70.
Religious freedom is encouraged through the enhancement of the capacity of
individuals of different religions to profess their religion. The Syrian Constitution
guarantees the right to practise all religious beliefs and the social diversity of the Syrian
society as a national heritage which serves to improve national unity. Freedom of religion
applies equally to all citizens in the enjoyment of rights and obligations and guarantees the
right to contribute to economic, social and cultural life, without discrimination.
71.
The Syrian Arab Republic stated that the phenomenon of religious profiling was
non-existent in the country; however, existing laws, such as the Penal Code and the
Military Penal Code, were in place to combat it.
72.
The Syrian Arab Republic suggested actions to address issues of incitement to racial,
national and religious hatred, including the following: (a) use the Rabat Plan of Action on
the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement
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