UNSC on Persecution of Minorities | 24 Aug 2019

China and Pakistan were targeted at Arria-Formula Meeting of the United Nation Security Council for their persecution of religious minorities.

  • Many members of religious groups in China — including ethnic Uighur, Kazakhs and other Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants and Falun Gong — face severe persecution and repression.
  • In Pakistan, religious minorities like Christians, Hindu, Ahmadiyas and other ethinic groups continue to suffer from persecution, either at the hands of non-state actors or through discriminatory laws and practices.
  • Arria-Formula Meeting on 'Advancing the Safety and Security of Persons Belonging to Religious Minorities in Armed Conflict' was organised by Poland.
    • It was organised to mark the first International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
  • The Arria Formula is an informal arrangement that allows the Security Council greater flexibility to be briefed about international peace and security issues. It has been used frequently and assumed growing importance since it was first implemented in March, 1992.

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

  • The General Assembly designated 22 August as “International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief” recognizing the importance of providing victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief and members of their families with appropriate support and assistance in accordance with applicable law.
  • The Day comes right after the “International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism”, 21 August
  • Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing. They are enshrined in Articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Upholding these rights plays an important role in the fight against all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief.

Source: TH