Interfaith dialogue crucial for promoting peaceful coexistence, social stability and security in Ukraine, say participants at the OSCE/ODIHR meeting

The role of interfaith dialogue in promoting peaceful coexistence, grounded in freedom of religion or belief for all in Ukraine was the focus of a national meeting, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in co-operation with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, in Kyiv on 8-9 December 2015.

More than 140 representatives from religious or belief communities, civil society organizations, national and regional authorities and the office of Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner, as well as national and international freedom of religion or belief experts, gathered to discuss the role of dialogue in ensuring social stability and security.

"Dialogue among individuals and groups of whatever backgrounds, cultures, religions or beliefs, is essential for enabling peaceful existence and for fostering respect for human dignity and mutual understanding," said Katarzyna Jarosiewicz-Wargan, Head of ODIHR’s Human Rights Department.

Specific attention was paid to the need to conduct interfaith dialogue activities within a human rights framework, including with respect for the right to freedom of religion or belief for all, as well as the involvement of women and youth in dialogue processes.

"Freedom of religion or belief can flourish only in a climate where other human rights, including freedom of expression, are also respected." said Roman Waschuk, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine. "States can play an important role in promoting and enabling dialogue among and between religious or belief communities."

Participants also discussed the current state of interfaith dialogue in Ukraine, as well as prospects for its further development.

"A solid foundation for the conduct of a sustained and meaningful dialogue process already exists in Ukraine,” said Andriy Yurash, Director of the Department for Religions and Nationalities at the Ministry of Culture. “We would like to further develop the culture of transparent and inclusive communication between people from different religions, beliefs and cultures to enhance social cohesion."

The national meeting was organized as part of ODIHR’s project on "Promoting Security of Religious or Belief Communities and Others in the Regions of Ukraine," which is designed to promote dialogue among religious or belief communities, and between these communities and the state.