Faith and Freedom Summit: Practising what we preach in Europe was convened in the prestigious Solvay Library yesterday. Organised by Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE), a European Think Tank, the-day-long conference was addressed by Mr Jan Figel, EU Special Envoy for promotion of Freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union.

In his keynote address, he stressed on the significance of freedom of religion or belief. Recalling that around 80% of world population, one way or the other, have faith in religion or belief, it becomes important to address its freedom and also the lack of it.

During the panel discussions, the experts addressed numerous difficulties and deficiencies experienced by various religious groups in European countries. The major issue was the recognition of any religion or belief or not by the State which tantamount to discrimination on the basis of one’s religious belief.

Earlier on June 27, Representative Tashi Phuntsok and EU Advocacy Officer Rigzin Genkhang attended a conference in the European Parliament on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Right to Asylum with specific emphasis on China. Organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) and hosted by MEP Tomas Zdechovsky, the conference focused on the Church of Almighty God (CAG) in China. Numerous speakers elaborated on the persecution of this religious group in China and lack of possibility of their asylum in various European countries.

During the discussion, issue of Tibet was also highlighted. Representative Tashi Phuntsok appealed to the European Union and the European Parliament to undertake serious reflection by all in order to safeguard the basic values of the European Union, namely peace, security, rule of law and justice. This issue was viewed with great concern in view of Chinese utter disregard and disrespect to the annual EU-China Summit and Human Rights dialogue.

MEP Zdechovsky in his concluding remark highlighted his utter frustration while discussing human rights with Chinese counterparts. The Chinese, as their normal practice, rebuked them for interfering in the internal affairs of China.

• Report filed by OOT Brussels