A group photo of OIC officials and members of UN member states at the end of the 5th meeting of the Istanbul Process of combatting religious discrimination and violence in Jeddah on Thursday. — Photo by Layan Damanhouri

Layan Damanhouri

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The two-day 5th meeting of the Istanbul Process of combatting religious discrimination and violence concluded on Thursday at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) headquarters here with a general consensus on the process.



International experts including UN member states, academics, UN officials, legal practitioners, NGOs, and civil society representatives discussed the ways and measures of implementation Human Rights Resolution 16/18 through the eight-point Action Plan.



Following up on the UN Human Rights Council adoption Res. 16/18 in March 2011, the Istanbul Process aimed to find means of implementing the resolution and overcome obstacles to the universal issue.



The outcome of the meeting on Thursday began with an agreement for a political commitment to put the resolution into effect.



The Istanbul Process agreement also stated that government institutions should give priority to the training of relevant officials and encourage religious leaders and civil society members in addressing the root causes of discrimination based on religion.



The resolution further added that freedom of expression as well as freedom of practicing religion should be promoted while combatting intolerance or religious hatred through affirmative and legal measures.



In addition, participants agreed on the importance on providing human rights education and encouraging religious and cultural diversity in communities.



Finally, members urged to provide regular reports and strengthen means of monitoring the implementation of Res. 16/18 in the upcoming period.



The previous assemblies were held in Washington, London, Geneva and Doha. The upcoming sixth meeting will take place in Chile in 2016.