Chairpersons:
Michaela Novotná (CZ) Milica Vukadinovic (RS) |
Journalist:
Sofia Magopoulou (GR) |
Key Terms
Secularism is a principle that involves two basic propositions. The first is the strict separation of the state from religious institutions. The second is that people of different religions and beliefs are equal before the law. The principles of secularism often interfere with the religious traditions.
Xenophobia is the unreasoned fear of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange. Xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways involving the relations and perceptions of an ingroup towards an outgroup, including a fear of losing identity, suspicion of its activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity.
Freedom of religion or freedom of belief is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or not to follow any religion. The freedom to leave or discontinue membership in a religion or religious group—in religious terms called "apostasy"—is also a fundamental part of religious freedom, covered by Article 18 of United Nations' 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Xenophobia is the unreasoned fear of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange. Xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways involving the relations and perceptions of an ingroup towards an outgroup, including a fear of losing identity, suspicion of its activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity.
Freedom of religion or freedom of belief is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or not to follow any religion. The freedom to leave or discontinue membership in a religion or religious group—in religious terms called "apostasy"—is also a fundamental part of religious freedom, covered by Article 18 of United Nations' 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Introduction and ExplanationIn Europe there is diversity of religions, with Christianity being the biggest one for over a millennium. In past few years, minority religions such as Islam have been recording increase of followers. Each religions has its own tradition, rules and customs. The freedom of religion is guaranteed in Europe by Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Each and every person is allowed to express what they believe in either in public or in private. Everyone has the right to manifest their religion or believes. |
French Headscarf Ban:
The French Law on Secularity and Conspicuous Religions Symbols in Schools bans wearing religious symbols in French public primary and secondary schools. The law passed in France’s legislation in 2004. The law doesn’t specify any particular symbols and therefore ban all Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and other religions symbols. However, it is considered that it specially refers to the Muslim’s headscarves (hijab) that are worn by Muslim schoolgirls and thus it is occasionally referred as the French Headscarf ban.
The French Law on Secularity and Conspicuous Religions Symbols in Schools bans wearing religious symbols in French public primary and secondary schools. The law passed in France’s legislation in 2004. The law doesn’t specify any particular symbols and therefore ban all Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and other religions symbols. However, it is considered that it specially refers to the Muslim’s headscarves (hijab) that are worn by Muslim schoolgirls and thus it is occasionally referred as the French Headscarf ban.
"Charlie Hebdo" Attack:
The January 7 attack on the offices of “Charlie Hebdo” magazine by men claiming to be solders of the Islamic state has raised anti-Muslim talks not just in France, but all over Europe. Xenophobia, islamophobia and discrimination are once more taking over the public while proclaiming “unity” and “peace”. The “Charlie Hebdo” murders should remind policymakers that religious liberty is not an afterthought, an esoteric principle with little practical impact. Instead, the refusal of other states to respect freedom of conscience, indeed, their willingness to routinely violate this most basic liberty, should act as the clichéd canary in the mine. Societies which do not acknowledge the importance of the life and dignity of the human person, and especially the right to believe differently, are more likely to spawn violence directed against free societies elsewhere. |
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Key Actors
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Facts and Figures
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Key Conflicts
Measures Already in Place |
These guidelines were adopted in June 2013 in order to reaffirm that the EU defends freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and promotes its free adoption, expression, practising and change while aiming towards secular approach. It assures that rights of people with or without religion or belief will be protected equally. Main points of these guidelines also include freedom to criticise or deny other beliefs as long as it does not lead towards violence or admitting that practising a religion or belief could lead towards potential clash with other rights. The guidelines also tackle the problem of religious education - countries may provide religious education or can provide funds to parents, who want to provide their children with religious education.
The EU, unlike its Member States, is a result of secular politics practised after the World War II. Therefore, Member States have different approach towards religion in their laws. The EU respect the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities within the Member States. Therefore, the EU cannot establish laws on what religion or if any should be promoted by a state regime. |
Key Questions
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Links for Further Research
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Sofia Magopoulou (GR)Sofia shines the brightest with anything involving photography, books , rock music and last but definitely not least chocolate. Most of the times she is a cheerful, optimistic and outgoing person but be careful people she can get really grumpy when she doesn't like something. Her name in greek means wisdom , so you can always ask her advice. She trully believes that all someone needs is love.She is looking forward to make Novi Sad 15 an eternally unforgettable experience.
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