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Defamation of Religion

In: Religion Topics

Submitted By monicamasoud
Words 582
Pages 3
The dictionary definition of defamation is, “false or unjustified injury of the good reputation of another.” Also the dictionary definition of religion is, “ritual observance of faith.” That means the the meaning of defamation of religion is the false spreading of someones observance of faith. In general religion is a tricky topic to discuss and find a common ground for. For hundreds of years this topic has brought controversy between individuals, countries, and different religions. Although there really isn’t one profound solution to this topic that can please everyone around the world, there could be on that pleases at least 80-90%. People would argue that freedom of religion is not the same thing as freedom of speech and that if a country has freedom of religion they should not allow their people to also have freedom of speech. Both freedom of speech and freedom of religion, however, go under the UN’s Human Rights Committee. In 1966 the UN Human Rights Committee cooperated with the ICCPR, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and established a treaty that “provides for freedom of opinion and expression and other fundamental rights.” In 1983 there was a debate of freedom of religion that resulted in a 4 paragraph resolution. Although, after that there was an intense 2 year debate that had a result of a 52 paragraph resolution written by the General Commissioner No. 34. It is eminent that the UN has been concerned and involved in this issue for over a 2 or 3 decades. In this 52 paragraph statement, it states that “laws against blasphemy or “religious insult” (found throughout the world, including half of all Council of Europe member states) are inherently discriminatory against secularists and religious dissenters.” This proves the UN’s standpoint on the issue. It is not tolerated. The UN believes that people have the human right to express their views on religion and their belief freely, no matter where they are from or what they believe in. We in Libya acknowledge that right now there is a huge problem with defamation of religion. On September 11, 2012 there was a massacre of 4 U.S and 1 Libyan diplomats in Libya over the viral video of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. The Libyan government strongly regrets what has happened and refuses to be acknowledged as participating with the individuals that went through with this disgraceful act. Libya assures the UN that punishment was taken accordingly for these individuals. Because of everything that has happened here in Libya in the past year, we propose a 3 point plan called the GEP plan. G stands for government; with a well structured government, order can be brought to countries for proper organization. E stands for education, when people are educated about others religion and faith, they will become more tolerable of each other. Finally, P stands for punishment, there should be a proper crime system setup for both individuals and countries who do not follow the Human Rights Committee’s law of freedom of speech and religion. With countries around the world working together, people everywhere will learn to respect each others views, beliefs and religions.
Works Cited
"Ban, Security Council Condemn ‘in Strongest Terms’ Attack on US Consulate in Libya." UN News Center. UN, 12 Sept. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. .
Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. .
"United Nations Affirms the Human Right to Blaspheme | Politics | Religion Dispatches." ReligionDispatches. N.p., 28 Oct. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. .

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