APPF13 RES 21
APPF13/RES/21
(Sponsored by the Philippines)
The 13th Annual Meeting of the Asia - Pacific Parliamentary Forum,
Alarmed at recent international terrorist attacks committed by minority groups using religion;
Cognizant of the growing possibility of confusion with regard to Islam and terrorist acts around the world;
Recalling the APPF resolution on combating international terrorism adopted during the 12th Annual Assembly, which stressed that terrorism should not be associated with any race, culture, or religion;
Desiring to promote efforts in promoting religious tolerance and cultural understanding through inter-faith dialogues;
Welcoming progress of inter-faith dialogues and faith-based organizations adhering to the guiding principles of the APPF in fostering mutual understanding, mutual trust, and true friendship in the Asia-Pacific, in promoting such religious tolerance and cultural understanding;
Adhering to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter aimed at eliminating international terrorism;
Reaffirming the need for a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all states, international and regional organizations;
Underlining the necessity to conduct increased educational campaigns regarding world religions, through, among others, inter- faith dialogues,
RESOLVES TO:
1. Encourage APPF members to support all international efforts towards tolerance and understanding of culturally and religiously diverse peoples;
2. Underline the importance of greater cultural understanding among world religions in the prevention of religious prejudice;
3. Promote information activities and support the mass media in order to counter religious prejudice and to promote religious tolerance;
4. Enhance cultural and educational exchanges between Muslim-majority countries and other countries;
5. Urge governments of the APPF member countries to fully integrate minority groups, either religious-based or ethnic-based, into the mainstream of their societies;
6. Consider the establishment of an APPF Committee on inter- faith Dialogue to provide a venue for cultural understanding;
7. Pursue broader inter-faith dialogues to promote inter-religious solidarity;
8. Create opportunity to forge religious understanding, ecumenism and solidarity.