"DEFAMATION OF RELIGION" RESOLUTION AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS

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