Ministry Statements & Speeches:
New Zealand reaffirms our strong commitment to the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief for all individuals around the world.
New Zealand has a long history of supporting the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief both at home and abroad. We unequivocally condemn and reject all forms of religious-based violence and religious intolerance and are fully committed to combating it.
We reiterate our concerns at increasing levels of violence and discrimination based on, or in the name of, religion or belief that are occurring across the globe, including against Muslims. In this regard, we stand in solidarity with the OIC and support the intent in this resolution, which we acknowledge is a priority for the OIC.
Freedom of religion and belief has a close relationship with the right to freedoms of opinion and expression. These rights have a mutually reinforcing effect. Enabling and encouraging the free expression of religion and belief, as well as the exchange of ideas, contributes to combatting intolerance and builds well-informed, inclusive, and politically mature societies.
New Zealand supported this resolution in recognition of these considerations, but abstained on the two amendments.
However, we are concerned at the creation of a Special Envoy from a budgetary and management perspective. The UN’s budget already faces increasing pressure, and we have concerns about further budgetary implications with the creation of a new Special Envoy in this context.
By creating a new Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, we are also concerned about elevating one particular religion over overs. New Zealand has consistently supported a broad and inclusive approach to religious discrimination, intolerance, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or related intolerance. We hope that this would not create a precedent that suggests or privileges a particular religion over another.
Ongoing attacks, discrimination and violence are a sobering reminder that the international community must remain united in our commitment to advancing the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief for all persons everywhere.
Thank you.