Resolution on Promoting Religious Tolerance and Cultural Understanding in Light of Combating Terrorism

13th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum
10-13 January 2005

Resolution on Promoting Religious Tolerance and Cultural Understanding in Light of Combating Terrorism

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.