Position Paper: Difamation Of Religions, Portugal

The concept "Defamation of Religion" has been a very debated as well as controversial topic since it's first adopted resolution in 1999 by the OIC. Among the years many non-binding resolutions havebeen taken. Despite the constant debates and difference between opponents and proponents on this topic, Portugal firmly believes that we shall not consider the concept "Defamation of Religion" based onpersonal or moral values, we believe it must be seen as a legal concept.  Tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and freedom of believe must be respected worldwide.However we must not forget our purposes as members of the United Nations. Our duty is to preserve peace and respect Human rights, which include respect towards  the freedom of speech.

ThePortuguese Republic is aware of the discrimination that takes place not only in a specific country or state but in each society. The fight for liberty of religion has taken place for centuries as well as ithas led to many tragic conflicts. Despite the different resolutions and the uncountable debates based on this topic it still remains as a violation to the Human rights.  As the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights states in article number 18 "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either aloneor in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance". Therefor a balance approach is needed. The Portuguese Republic believes that any type of discrimination does not take place just against religions or believers but also non-believers are constant victims. For this reason we repeatedly express our concern thatthe concept of "Defamation of religion" must be seen as a unique entity and we shall not lose focus on human rights neither on freedom of speech. Prohibiting speech is not a way to promote tolerance....