Our Videos

December 1, 09

NEWS / UN rights chief says Swiss ban on minarets clearly discriminatory


1 December 2009 – The United Nations human rights chief spoke out today against the Swiss ban on the building of new minarets, calling it a discriminatory and deeply divisive step which risks putting the county on a “collision course” with its international rights obligations.
“I hesitate to condemn a democratic vote, but I have no hesitation at all in condemning the anti-foreigner scare-mongering that has characterized political campaigns in a number of countries, including Switzerland, which helps produce results like this,” High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stated.

The ban results from a referendum held on Sunday on the subject, which was not supported by the Government of Switzerland, she noted in a news release.

Ms. Pillay said that banning an architectural structure that is associated with one religion only is clearly discriminatory.

“Some of the politicians who proposed this motion argued that it wasn’t targeting Islam or Muslims,” she said. “Others claimed that banning minarets would improve integration. These are extraordinary claims when the symbol of one religion is targeted.”

The High Commissioner added that such a ban is “discriminatory, deeply divisive and a thoroughly unfortunate step for Switzerland to take, and risks putting the country on a collision course with its international human rights obligations.”

Yesterday Asma Jahangir, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, voiced her regret at the vote and its negative consequences for Muslims in Switzerland.

“Indeed, a ban on minarets amounts to an undue restriction of the freedom to manifest one’s religion and constitutes a clear discrimination against members of the Muslim community in Switzerland,” she stated.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33104&Cr=religion&Cr1=

 




Testimonials

Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »
Kateryna Melnychenko
Thanks a lot Anton!...
Read More »




FAQ

What are the laws regarding the Great Seal of the U.S.?
Read More »
HOW CAN A U.S. CITIZENS BECOME A NOTARY PUBLIC IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY?
Read More »
I had a call requesting a photocopy of my journal entry. Do I have to comply?
Read More »
In each of the following cases, what is the percentage interest in the partnership that should be reported on Form 1065 Schedule B question 3b?
Read More »






News

May 7, 25
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signs bill adding gender marker to death certificates
Read More »
May 6, 25
Implementation of Real ID acts puts Florida woman without birth certificate in bureaucratic limbo
Read More »
April 30, 25
US citizen charged with being “unauthorized alien” despite possessing US birth certificate
Read More »
April 23, 25
Pope Francis died of stroke and irreversible heart failure – death certificate
Read More »