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RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN RIGHTS

E-Newsletter
Vol.3 No.1
January 1, 2001


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Religious Perspectives on Human Rights is now available online at: http://www.rghr.net

Religious Perspectives on Human Rights is a weekly e-newsletter issued by Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic and Christian Groups on Human Rights, initiated by the Asian Human Rights Commission.

2001 -INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOBILISATION AGAINST RACISM "United to combat racism: equality, justice, dignity."

Dear Friends,

We are into the third volume of our email newsletter intended to provide information on human rights situations, varying responses both by way of reaction and prevention. The coming year is going to be quite challenging with the call to combat racism with equality, justice and dignity. Let us face it together. We are glad to forward the English translation of the KWI Chairman's response, the statement issued by the Human Rights Commission of Indonesia to the recent bombings in various places in Indonesia on Christmas Eve, which are very much in line with the call for "mobilisation against racism".

1) CEASE VIOLENCE : Preclude Disintegration of the Nation

1. Indonesian Christians have confronted bomb explosions from Medan to Mataram while celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. We feel impelled to present our perspective and disposition as follows:

a. We express our sincerest condolences and deepest sentiments of sorrow > to the bomb victims: those who have died, those who have suffered severe or light injuries and to their grieving families.

The majority of the victims were common citizens who were on the street near Houses of Worship where Christmas was being celebrated or had just been concluded. The victims were of all ages, from children to elderly, and of different religions Catholic, Christian and Islam.

b. We encourage all Christians to think clearly, inspired by a strong faith, because Christmas in a situation like this means to actively > create peace. This means to follow the teachings of Jesus, which prioritize love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and building concord and brother/sisterhood with anyone and everyone.

c. Concretely, we strongly encourage all Christians to remain calm. Do not be easily provoked to commit any kind of violent acts whatsoever. Do not be easily influenced by rumors and gossip, or news that gives rise to anger and the pitting of one against another.

2. We make this appeal because the facts indicate that those bomb explosions seem to have been deftly planned and organized covering a broad scope. Therefore, we may consider the following possibilities:

a. That a well-organized, highly influential power possessing a network and powerful financial influence is behind those events.

b. It is possible that there is a powerful source behind the savage bombings that desires benefit through such provocation inducing horizontal conflict and disintegration of our nation.

3. Therefore, we appeal to all components of the nation:

a. Be careful not to enter a trap, among others: that bomb explosions around Christmas are meant to give the impression that it is the act of Moslems, and then around Idul Fitri the same group will detonate bombs to ive the impression that Christians are retaliating.

b. Continue to build unanimity by mutually communicating and sharing information, especially among religious groups.

c. Particularly for all Christians, do not act individually. Listen to and follow the direction of your leaders. Jakarta , 25 December, 2000 Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja, S.J. Mgr. Ignatius Suharyo

2) STATEMENT : INDONESIAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
(KOMNAS HAM)REGARDING BOMB ATTACKS 24TH DECEMBER 2000

There is increasing violence in the community's midst, including bomb attacks in various places including hospitals and most recently the bombing tragedy, where bombs were exploded at almost the same moment in a number of churches in various locatoins in Indonesia on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2000, resulting in deaths and injuries. It is clear that these acts of systematic and organised terrorism are direct attacks humanity, and violate the right to a sense of security, freedom from fear, the right to life and freedom of religion. Komnas HAM is deeply concerned about these developments, and therefore states that:

1. Komnas HAM is extremely sad and concerned and wishes to convey its condolences to all victims and their families without exception.

2. Komns HAM strongly condems the bomb attacks against hospitals and places of worship, including those which were carried out on Christmas Eve, which have the potential to create conflict and hatred between people of different faiths in Indonesia.

3. Komnas HAM urges the Government to take decisive action against the perpetrators of these incidents, including carrying out effective prevention so that these events are not repeated, particularly on Idul Fitri (27-28 Dec 2000). Therefore state intelligence bodies must be able to carry out their work in an ppropriate manner, as well as give full support and assistance to the police to provide security and safety.

4. Komnas HAM urges the community to refuse to be stirred up by these attempts to provoke followers of different faiths, and to give support to the security apparatus in carrying out their work.

5. The Government must provide accurate information in an honest, transparent and organised manner regarding the whole process and results of law enforcement of these incidents. This will help prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation, and increase the credibility of the Government in the eyes of the community.Komnas HAM is certain that all elements of the community can unite in facing these threats to enemies f humanity and democracy, and the Indonesian nation an get through this crisis safely and peacefully.

3) MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE FOR PEACE

Father Channan - Pakistan
Executive secretary of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Rabita
Commission

It is wonderful when Muslims and Christians put their hearts and souls together to work out a strategy to bring lasting peace and harmony to Pakistan and the world.

When Muslim and Christian believers dialogue, they can play a tremendous role in bringing about harmony, reconciliation, healing and peace. This is what our religions teach us, and this is what we believe and what we must act upon. Asians live amid religious pluralism, and harmony requires, in many ways, penness and appreciation of diversity. Harmony is not uniformity. It is unity in diversity. We Muslims and Christians are called upon to bring peace, even to the extent of suffering for it. Our religions offer messages of life -- of love and not hatred, of peace and not war, of forgiveness and not revenge, of compassion and not violence.

4) SO WHAT NOW AFTER JUBILEE 2000?

Three major initiatives will be launched in the new year to continue the vital campaigning on debt.

Firstly, the Jubilee debt campaign * a network of agencies including CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, WDM, Jubilee 2000 regional coalitions and others will be working together to continue campaigning and supporting campaigning on debt. An interim steering committee has been set up and CAFOD is on it.

Secondly, the Drop the debt project led by Adrian Lovett will focus on building campaigning up to the G8 summit in Genoa in July. CAFOD is funding and asking everyone to be involved in organising groups to Italy in July. And thirdly, Ann Pettifor's Jubilee Plus initiative in conjunction with the New Economics Foundation which will be a long-term support unit for global campaigns on international debt and finance.

Currently a consultation with Southern campaigners is taking place in Dakar, Senegal. For copies of CAFOD's postcards to the Italian Prime Minister asking for a new deal on debt at the Genoa Summit contact Sam: ext: 357 or

sgoddard@c...

Steve Alston
CAFOD Asia Section