Sri Lanka

I am still in Geneva. Now working with representatives of the Sri Lankan churches and its international partners working on a strategy, following the 30 years of civil war, for healing and reconciliation. There are so many heart rending stories and such complex needs. The political situation is still very difficult. How to do reconciliation after such terrible things. The churches need their partners more than ever and our open-ended commitment is much appreciated. We will need resources both financial and human from Britain. It is however good to be part of a group of brothers and sisters struggling to fine the way. Steve 21.9.12

Proposals

Today we are trying to formulate a communique and some recommendations for action. Never an easy task!

UN

Now a meeting at the United Nations to present the issues to member of the UN Human Rights Commissions. Muslim members of our group are clear that the problem is misuse and not repeal of the law. Other members are clear the law must be removed. Ways of improving the administration of the law include only allowing senior police officers to register blasphemy cases; involving a religious leader from the religion of the accused at the outset; having a panel of senior judges to hear cases. One speaker has challenged whether it is right that the constitution should discriminate in favour of one religion. He argues it is this which has led to the current religious intolerance and extremism. A human rights lawyer has described the law as dividing his country, that the law is bad for both the majority and minorities. Questions included the relevance of intent in blasphemy; has the law itself given rise to an increase in intolerance; can religious leaders work together in Pakistan to improve the law; has the law had any good effect?

Steve. UN Geneva

Human rights in Pakistan

A member of the Pakistan human rights commission is telling the hearing how 'courts are frightened to hear blasphemy cases' and 'lawyers are afraid to act for defendants'. He is pointing out that human rights violations happen everywhere but in Pakistan there is no judicial system capable of dealing with violations because judges, lawyers, activists, politicians and journalists are all threatened, very often attacked and not infrequently killed when they deal with blasphemy. There are people in this room who have been threatened because of their work for people unjustly accused, including our partners. I am aware that being here is safer for some people than others. We are really struggling to see a realistic way forward. Steve. Tuesday.

Pakistan

Marvin Parvez is making a presentation based on research done by his organisation with the support of Methodist Church Britain. The analysis of cases reveals the disproportionate number of Christians among the 761 people accused in the last 15 years and the way the west has supported the moves away from democracy which have led to these laws. Steve **********************************************************************
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Pakistan

The only Christian woman in parliament in Pakistan is addressing the hearing. She characterises the problem as one of equal rights, it is the weak who are suffering. She also points out that Christians are seen as linked to the west, so many actions of the west have serious consequences for Christians in Pakistan. Steve, Geneva

Not just Pakistan

The moderator of the Church of Pakistan has challenged the international community, saying, 'the misuse of freedom of speech in the West also offer to be checked.' he said the misuse of the blasphemy laws has become a matter of existence for some as well as a human rights issue. He also reminded us that some elements in the Christian community are as fanatical as those in the Muslim community. Steve at WCC

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Please visit www.methodist.org.uk for information and resources
pertaining to the work of the Methodist Church.

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