Statement by H.E. Mr. Pjer šimunovic, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Criatia, at the High-level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, 62nd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
Mister President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honoured to address this meeting today, as it is additionally strengthening the political importance that Member States and international organizations attach to the fundamentally important topic of interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
I would also like to thank the President of the General Assembly for providing us with this opportunity to share and advance our reflections, and learn from each other's experiences.
Croatia has for centuries been situated at the crossroads of different cultures and religions. Still today, this is where Central and Eastern Europe meets the Mediterranean, where Christianity meets Islam, providing a rich cultural and religious diversity.
Croatia is fully committed to combating intolerance and discrimination and to promoting mutual respect and understanding. At the national level Croatia recognizes and protects the freedom of religion and belief as a fundamental human right, as stated in the Constitution. We are proud to say that there are 42 registered religious groups in Croatia, out of which 14 enjoy a direct annual financial support for their work from the Government. All religious groups are independent of the State.
Each state has an obligation to protect the freedom of religion or belief and to guarantee to all religious communities the freedom of gathering in the places of worship. However, we have to remember that a great responsibility for promoting interreligious and intercultural understanding lies also in the hands of religious leaders.
It is their moral duty to spread the word of peace and cooperation with members of other religions in order to create a common future and society. Education, tolerance and respect for a fellow human being are means of creating a peaceful world. This goal requires joint efforts at all levels - international, national and down to every single person.
Mr. President,
Croatia welcomes and follows with great interest the increased attention for the theme of interreligious and intercultural understanding amongst governments, UN agencies, funds and programs, religious communities and civil societies. Only through such partnerships we can find effective solutions.
In this respect, let me welcome the work of the Alliance of Civilizations, and the appointment by the Secretary General of the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, His Excellency Mr. Jorge Sampaio, earlier this year.
As a candidate for the membership to the European Union, Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Portugal on behalf of the EU. Croatia welcomes and supports the recent decision by the EU to mark 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Croatia is also following with great interest the work done through the Euro Mediterranean Partnership and the EU Neighborhood Policy.
Defending freedom of religion and belief, as well as cultural diversity lies at the core of peace and justice, and subsequently of the security as well. As a candidate for the UN Security Council non-permanent seat for the term 2008-2009, the Republic of Croatia is very well aware of this sensitive interdependence and stands ready to work together for a peaceful, tolerant and considerate world.
Thank you for your attention.
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