"The religious dimension is a key component of intercultural dialogue, because faiths belong to the history and culture of the peoples": this was said today from the floor of the European Parliament in Strasbourg by Asma Jahangir, special reporter on the freedom of religion and belief of the UN High Commission for Human Rights. Asked to take part in a solemn session under the 2008 Year of Intercultural Dialogue scheme, Jahangir stated that "the history of Europe is interspersed with many contributions, ideas and inputs, including those coming from the religions. But we cannot forget the wars of religion that have affected that same Europe over time". A Pakistani, a human rights activist persecuted and arrested in her country for her ideas, Asma Jahangir now works to protect the exercise of freedom of religion and belief all over the world. The UN Commissioner pointed out that it is important to "look at exchanges between cultures and religions in the broad sense, as a decisive contribution to peace, democracy, social inclusion and the respect of rights and personal freedoms". (continued)
