[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 151 (Friday, October 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2127]]


  INTERPARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 2003

  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, the first meeting of the 
Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and Religious Freedom was 
held in Brussels, Belgium from September 16 through September 18, 2003, 
under the auspices of the Washington-headquartered Institute on 
Religion and Public Policy.
  The Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and Religious 
Freedom is composed of members of national and supranational 
parliaments from around the globe, allowing members of parliaments to 
meet and address the issues of human rights and freedom of religion and 
belief with common understanding and background as parliamentarians. I 
ask that the Conference's concluding document, as follows, be entered 
into the Record.

 Declaration of the Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and 
                           Religious Freedom

       Whereas, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the 
     equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human 
     family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the 
     world;
       Whereas, disregard and contempt for fundamental human 
     rights have resulted in acts which have shocked the 
     conscience of humankind, the advent of a world in which human 
     beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief has been 
     proclaimed as the highest aspiration of humankind;
       Whereas, it is imperative to promote the development of 
     friendly relations between nations;
       Whereas, Member States of the United Nations have pledged 
     themselves to achieve the promotion of universal respect for 
     and observance of fundamental rights;
       Whereas, a common understanding of these rights and 
     freedoms is of great importance for the full realization of 
     this pledge;
       Whereas, this Declaration of the Interparliamentary 
     Conference on Human Rights and Religious Freedom appeals to a 
     common standard of achievement for all peoples and all 
     nations, to the end that every individual and every society--
     keeping this proclamation constantly in mind--shall strive by 
     dialogue and education to promote respect for these rights 
     and freedoms and by national and international measures to 
     secure their recognition and observance;
       Therefore, we hold that,
       Respect for human life is fundamental;
       All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and 
     rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and 
     should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood;
       All are equal before the law and are entitled without 
     discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are 
     entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in 
     violation of their rights;
       Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, 
     and religion; this right includes freedom to have or adopt a 
     religion or belief. Everyone has the freedom alone or in 
     community with others and without any outside interference to 
     express his/her religion or belief in teaching, practice, 
     worship and observance, within the limitations prescribed by 
     law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health 
     or morals or the fundamental rights or freedoms of others.
       Nobody shall be persecuted or denied his/her rights because 
     of his/her religious beliefs. No discrimination or privileges 
     based on affiliation or rejection of affiliation to a 
     religion are acceptable.
       The Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and 
     Religious Freedom will convene annually to further the 
     recognition and observance of the principles contained in 
     this Declaration.

                          ____________________