Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BRASILIA375
2009-03-26 18:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Brasilia
Cable title:
"DEFAMATION OF RELIGION" RESOLUTION AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS
how-toVZCZCXRO1118 PP RUEHRG DE RUEHBR #0375 0851806 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 261806Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY BRASILIA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3897 INFO RUEHRI/AMCONSUL RIO DE JANEIRO 7467 RUEHRG/AMCONSUL RECIFE 9273 RUEHSO/AMCONSUL SAO PAULO 3759
UNCLAS BRASILIA 000375
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KIRF
SUBJECT: "DEFAMATION OF RELIGION" RESOLUTION AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNCIL
REF: SECSTATE 27376
UNCLAS BRASILIA 000375
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KIRF
SUBJECT: "DEFAMATION OF RELIGION" RESOLUTION AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNCIL
REF: SECSTATE 27376
1. (SBU) First Secretary Carlos Eduardo Da Cunha Oliveira, in the
Division of Human Rights of the
Ministry of Exterior told poloff on March 25 that Brazil would
abstain and offer an explanation of its vote.
2. (SBU)Oliveira explained that the Defamation of Religion
Resolution underwent some changes in the Third Committee of the
General Assembly to such an extent that it has started to contain
points that are incompatible with human rights norms. The
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights already
contains limitations to the exercise of freedom of speech but the
Defamation of Religion Resolution goes beyond them and this concept
would not be in line with Brazilian legislation. Oliveira stated
that human rights norms protect the right of the person and there
were three main objections for Brazil:
-The draft resolution presented to the commission emphasizes
"Islamophobia", which is not appropriate.
-The resolution emphasizes a single religion and Brazil wants to
avoid selectivity.
-Brazil disagrees with addressing religious intolerance through
"defamation of religion." Brazil would rather see problems of
religious intolerance addressed through a resolution against
"incitement to hatred," which it distinguishes from defamation of
religion.
SOBEL
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KIRF
SUBJECT: "DEFAMATION OF RELIGION" RESOLUTION AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNCIL
REF: SECSTATE 27376
1. (SBU) First Secretary Carlos Eduardo Da Cunha Oliveira, in the
Division of Human Rights of the
Ministry of Exterior told poloff on March 25 that Brazil would
abstain and offer an explanation of its vote.
2. (SBU)Oliveira explained that the Defamation of Religion
Resolution underwent some changes in the Third Committee of the
General Assembly to such an extent that it has started to contain
points that are incompatible with human rights norms. The
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights already
contains limitations to the exercise of freedom of speech but the
Defamation of Religion Resolution goes beyond them and this concept
would not be in line with Brazilian legislation. Oliveira stated
that human rights norms protect the right of the person and there
were three main objections for Brazil:
-The draft resolution presented to the commission emphasizes
"Islamophobia", which is not appropriate.
-The resolution emphasizes a single religion and Brazil wants to
avoid selectivity.
-Brazil disagrees with addressing religious intolerance through
"defamation of religion." Brazil would rather see problems of
religious intolerance addressed through a resolution against
"incitement to hatred," which it distinguishes from defamation of
religion.
SOBEL