A/HRC/37/44
dialogue composed of representatives of 12 different religions to regularly discuss issues of
common interest, to organize initiatives that contribute to the promotion of the
interreligious dialogue and to give visibility to the religious dimension of the body of
citizens, tolerance and mutual understanding.
13.
The United Kingdom funds the Church Urban Fund’s Near Neighbours programme,
which aims to bring together people of different faiths to strengthen their communities.
Near Neighbours has delivered over one thousand local projects reaching over 940,000
people since 2011.
D.
Creating an appropriate mechanism within Governments to, inter alia,
identify and address potential areas of tension between members of
different religious communities, and assisting with conflict prevention
and mediation6
14.
In Argentina, the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism
has a mandate which includes: strengthening and promoting the principle of pluralism and
religious diversity; promoting the eradication of discriminatory practices, stereotyping and
prejudices, particularly those directed against followers of African religions in Argentina;
and considering complaints by individuals and members of civil society on diverse grounds
of discrimination, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The Institute’s Registry of
Civil Society Organizations surveys, registers and organizes information about
organizations working against discrimination, and through its Victim Assistance
Directorate provides rapid conflict resolution and seeks to develop mechanisms of
reconciliation.
15.
In Australia, Ethnic Liaison Officers meet with ethnic community leaders to
consider specific issues identified by each ethnic group and respond as needed. Government
migration customer services address areas of potential tension via telephone, email and
meetings.
16.
Italy reported that in July 2017, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation hosted the international conference entitled “Protecting religious communities:
investing in youth as the major players in a new season of rapprochement, dialogue and
peaceful coexistence among peoples”, during which it was announced that an observatory
on religious minorities in the world and on the respect for religious freedom had been
established as an advisory body to the Minister. It is tasked with conducting surveys and
analyses and monitoring the condition of religious minorities in the world with a view to
increasing the scope of their protection. It will also propose awareness-raising activities at
the local level.
17.
Portugal’s first Law on Religious Liberty (Act 16/2001) provides that religious
freedom is based on the principles of freedom, equality, separation, interfaith cooperation
and tolerance. The Commission on Religious Freedom, composed of persons appointed by
the religious confessions, was set up as an advisory board on the exercise of the right of
religious freedom.
18.
In Turkey, the Law on the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey,
adopted on 6 April 2016, foresees the establishment of a Turkish human rights and equality
institution affiliated with the Office of the Prime Minister. It will have a board of 11
members, 8 elected by the Council of Ministers and 3 by the President of Turkey. Its three
main duties are promotion of human rights, prevention of discrimination and fighting
torture and ill-treatment. It is authorized to receive and address allegations of violations of
human rights and the prohibition of discrimination and to examine and evaluate any such
claims ex officio. In line with the decisions of the Reform Action Group, direct dialogue
with non-Muslim citizens has been continuously strengthened and periodic visits take place
between government officials and representatives of different faith groups.
6
4
Paragraph 7 (b) of resolution 34/32.
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