01/27/2021 United States (International Christian Concern) – The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution that condemns the damage and destruction of religious sites. The resolution also asks the Secretary General of the United Nations to convene a global conference that will garner public support for the protection of the many religious sites around the world.
The resolution is a step in the right direction for the many persecuted Christian communities around the world. One the greatest targets of persecution around the world is the destruction of Christian church buildings and other sites that hold high regard for many Christians. Much of the violence faced by Christian communities is often targeted at church buildings in the local communities. Churches have been destroyed as a result of violence by extremist factions of many religions across the world.
While the resolution itself doesn’t provide security for these specific areas, the public pressure that comes along with the resolution elevates the issue of religious persecution and the targeting of religious minorities around the world. They are a largely ignored part of many populations that don’t enjoy many of the civil liberties as the majority faith groups around the world and are constant target of harassment and discrimination at the workplace, civil society and government.
The United Nations and other multilateral institutions must continue to take firm stances on implementing Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guaranteeing freedom of religion, a freedom that has been overlooked in recent years. Going forward, it ought to be a greater priority for the United Nations General Assembly.
For interviews, please contact Alison Garcia at press@persecution.org.
