Humanists International warns of misuse of religion as a barrier in UN human rights investigations
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Publication Date: October 2, 2024
Organization: Humanists International
Organization Description: Humanists International is the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. Inspired by humanist values, we are optimistic for a world where everyone can have a dignified and fulfilling life. We build, support and represent the global humanist movement and work to champion human rights and secularism. We support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
At the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Humanists International has warned UN human rights investigators of the challenges of traditional, historical, religious and cultural attitudes
The statement was delivered by Humanists International’s European Advocacy Officer, Tania Giacomuzzi Mota by video. The statement was made at the Annual Panel Discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms. The topic this year was “enhancing gender integration in human rights investigations: a victim-centred perspective. “Previous topics have included “gender-responsive initiatives to accelerate gender equality” and “gender digital divide in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The statement noted that one of the drivers of human rights abuses against women, and the subsequent lack of self-reporting of such abuses, is the instrumentalization of the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Traditional, historical, religious and cultural attitudes often stand in the way of women’s self-reporting of the abuse they suffer.
In Humanists International’s work protecting humanists-at-risk, this phenomenon is often seen, with many women who reach out to the organization citing control in the home as a major risk. They often lack independent access to the internet and they face stigma and taboo depending on the nature of the abuse.
The statement called on the United Nation’s human rights investigators to be aware of this challenge. Those conducting investigations should make themselves aware of the right to FoRB, and what it does and doesn’t cover, the statement urged. The panelists, all of whom have been members of United Nations investigations, discussed the barriers they have faced in their work, as well as strategies to strengthen the integration of a victim-centered approach through the conduct of trauma-informed interviews.
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