VANCOUVER—Sixty-three nations have released a joint statement calling for action to end human rights abuses in the Middle East.
The declaration, “Supporting the Human Rights of Christians and Other Communities, Particularly in the Middle East,” was submitted to the 28th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva March 13.
“The Middle East is living in a situation of instability and conflict that recently have been aggravated,” it states. “The existence of many religious communities is seriously threatened.”
The statement was produced by a core group of members from the Holy See, the Russian Federation, and Lebanon. It says Christians are particularly vulnerable.
“There are more and more reasons to fear seriously for the future of the Christian communities that have more than 2,000 years of existence in this region, where Christianity has its full place and began its long history.”
It asks governments to promote peaceful coexistence and recognition of the value of diversity in society.
“We call upon the international community to support the deeply rooted historical presence of all ethnic and religious communities in the Middle East.”
“This support will help the countries of the region to rebuild healthy plural societies and sound political systems, ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.”
