DISRESPECT FOR HOLY SITES VIOLATES INTERNATIONAL NORMS

VATICAN CITY, APR 16, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Holy See permanent observer to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva, addressed the 58th session of the Human Rights Commission on April 12 on the occasion of a debate on religious freedom. The commission has been meeting in Geneva since March 18.

The nuncio, in his speech published today, expressed the Holy See's thoughts on two questions concerning religious freedom within democratic societies. First, he noted that "respect for religious freedom means, today, welcoming the contribution of religious believers as vital for the construction of a lasting peace."

Secondly, he remarked on "the question of religious minorities, especially where a particular religious tradition is dominant. ... The position of the Holy See regarding such situations was set out by Vatican Council II which affirms: ... 'If because of the circumstances of a particular people, special civil recognition is given to one religious community in the constitutional organization of a State, the right of all citizens and religious communities to religious freedom must be recognized and respected as well'."

Archbishop Martin then turned to a "question of particular interest today: respect of places of worship amd holy sites in times of conflict." He affirmed that "the Holy Sites in Jerusalem and the Holy Land have a special significance for the three monotheistic traditions - indeed for the whole of humanity. Disrespect for or misuse of these sites constitutes a violation of international norms - as well as bilateral agreements."
In concluding remarks, he stated: "Any long-term solution to the crisis in the Middle East must indeed address the question of respect for and unrestricted access to the religious sites, sacred to each tradition. This is also a dimension of religious freedom. It is a precondition for fostering a climate of dialogue between religions in the Middle East in the service of peace."

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