Human Rights: Global initiative calls for a new 'vision' of diversity.

The Global Charter of Conscience is a declaration reaffirming and supporting Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Charter was launched today in the European Parliament during a meeting hosted by Sari Essayah MEP.

The Charter was drafted and published by a group of followers of many faiths and some of no religious denomination, politicians of many persuasions, academics and NGOs who are committed to a partnership on behalf of 'freedom of thought, conscience and religion' for people of all faiths and those of no religious denomination.

"A growing number of academic studies and reports show that freedom of thought, conscience and religion is widely neglected and threatened today. This is also evident in the European Parliament", said Sari Essayah. "Every plenary session, there are so-called urgency debates and Resolutions on severe violations of human rights all over the world. A growing number of these topics are about people who are suffering because of their thoughts and beliefs. With the current economic crises, we are also witnessing growing intolerance in Europe. There are also certain areas of freedom of conscience which are being neglected in countries which are known for their tolerance."

Ms Essayah pointed out that in Finland and Sweden for example, laws do not provide for the right of conscientious objection for doctors and other health personnel to refuse to perform or assist in an abortion. "However, the Council of Europe's Resolution on the right to conscientious objection in lawful medical care demands that this right should be guaranteed", said Ms Essayah.

The fact is that sixty-four years after the Universal Declaration (Paris 1948) Article 18, 'freedom of thought, conscience and religion' for all has become the most neglected, misunderstood and embattled chapter of all human rights. "Therefore it needs to be reaffirmed and set out in the context of the powerful challenges of today", concluded Sari Essayah.