WiPC 2008 Resolution: Defamation of religions

The Assembly of Delegates of International PEN, meeting at its 74th Congress in Bogota, Colombia, 17-22 September 2008

Recalling Resolutions 7/19 ("Combating defamation of religions") and 7/36 ("Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression"), dated 27th and 28th March 2008 respectively, of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC),

Welcoming the UNHRC underlining the importance of everybody's right to peacefully express their opinion in all countries,

Underlining that International PEN fully endorses the right of any individual to practice the religion of their choice, as guaranteed under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights;

However, noting with deep concern that the two resolution urge all relevant UN bodies and all governments to limit the right of citizens to freedom of expression where "defamation of religions" is concerned,

Further concerned about which bodies shall eventually have the right of defining which expressions shall constitute "defamation of religions" and thus not be encompassed by the otherwise universal right to freedom of expression,

Also noting with the deepest concern that with the passing of these two resolutions, the traditional role of the UN and its institutions that has been to protect the rights of individuals, has now been extended to provide restrictions, notably on the right to freedom of expression;

Strongly urges all relevant UN bodies, among them the General Assembly, the UNHRC, the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, and the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, as well as all governments and their delegations to the UN General Assembly and the UNHRC, to oppose the implementation of the two above-mentioned resolutions.