Mr. Chairman,
Freedom of religious
belief is an indispensable part of human rights. The UN
Charter and other important international human rights
instruments have made clear stipulations on the protection
of religious freedom, which reflect the basic views
on the freedom of religious belief of the majority of the
countries and people around the world. Such stipulations
have also become the universal principles and important
grounds for the protection of these fundamental human rights
by the international community.
The Universal
Declaration for Human Rights clearly specifies that,
“Education shall……promote understanding,
tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or
religious groups”. Education of this type can enable
man, starting from his childhood, to learn to respect the
religious belief and practice of others, and thus achieving
a tolerant and harmonious social environment. It can also
serve as a very important means to prevent the whole society
from disorder and chaos caused by the differences and
conflicts among religious beliefs.
So far as
the education on freedom of religious belief is concerned,
one must bear one important principle in mind, i.e. our
world is a colorful one. Diversities among nations,
religions and cultures should be duly respected. People
should stand for mutual inclusiveness instead of exclusion,
mutual exchanges instead of discrimination, dialogue instead
of confrontation, and co-existence instead of conflict. On
the basis of mutual respect, equality and seeking common
ground while setting aside minor differences, all countries
should bring into full play the role of various
civilizations and religions with a view to promoting a
continuous development of humankind and common progress of
all nations and people of the world.
Mr.
Chairman,
China has all along been respecting
and protecting the freedom of religious belief of its
people. China’s Constitution ensures that citizens
enjoy freedom of religious belief and its relevant laws also
make clear and specific provisions protecting religious
freedom and equal rights of believers. These provisions are
consistent with the relevant international human rights
instruments. There are now five main religions in China,
namely, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and
Protestantism. The total number of believers amounts to more
than 100 million. The religious sites and professional
personnel also reach 100,000 and 300,000 respectively. All
religions are enjoying equal status and peaceful
co-existence. Unlike the religious wars in the Western world
in the Middle Ages, there has never been one in China.
People, whether religious or non-religious, respect each
other and live in harmony.
China is an ancient
civilization, where the concept of “Human beings come
first” and “Harmony is what matters most”
is an inherent part of its culture. This characteristics of
the Chinese traditional culture is also reflected in its
educational system. In China’s present elementary and
secondary schools, the knowledge of religion, regarded as
part of the culture, is introduced in the textbooks of
history, literature, arts and social sciences. In some
universities and institutes, teaching and research on
science of religion is being developed. Through these
channels, religious knowledge and philosophy such as freedom
of religious belief, mutual respect, harmony and
non-discrimination are widely spread in the
society.
The Chinese Government is devoting
major efforts to promoting the rule of law combined with
rule of virtue. Recently, the Chinese Government initiated
the Program for Implementation of Citizen’s Morality
Building, with an aim to advocating nation-wide respect for,
understanding of and caring for others, and in particular
tolerance of other’s choices in religious belief. This
Program is currently in full implementation in schools at
various levels.
Mr. Chairman,
When
one talks about the education of freedom of religious
belief, one should always keep high alert on the vicious
intrusion by the cults in whatever forms. To such evil cult,
the international community has no other choice but to give
firm and full rejection and refusal.
In recent
years, the international community has made unremitting
efforts in promoting and protecting freedom of religious
belief. The UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human
Rights adopt relevant resolutions every year. Against this
background, the Conference today is another new effort of
the international community in strengthening the cooperation
under the agenda. The Chinese delegation is willing to work
with other delegations to make this conference a
success.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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