E/CN.4/1991/56
page 38
Romania
"Inter—denominational differences are not significant either in frequency
or virulence. One of the first decrees to be promulgated after the revolution
was the decree relating to the restoration of the Uniate (Greek Catholic)
Church. At the same time, the problem of the restoration of the property of
this religion was also raised. The retrocession of this property, which is
presently in the possession either of the Romanian Orthodox Church or of
certain State establishments (schools, boarding schools, hospitals, hostels,
etc.) is a difficult problem that must be resolved with the greatest of care.
During this process, a series of conflicts have arisen between Orthodox
and Greek Catholic believers because of the latters' desire to take possession
of their former churches and establishments. To settle this problem, in
April 1990 the Government of Romania issued a decree concerning the specific
terms for restoration of the property belonging to this religion."
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
"Ideological disputes between members of different religious
denominations are limited to the verbal level. The Government does not
intervene as this is inconsistent with the right of freedom of expression."
Sweden
"Clashes between members of different religious denominations, or
expressions of extremist or fanatical opinions, are virtually non-existent in
Sweden."
Switzerland
"There have been no clashes between members of different denominations
for a very long time. This situation enabled the Swiss people and cantons, in
1973, to repeal the articles on religious denominations that had figured in
the Federal Constitution since 1894 (arts. 51 and 5 2 ) . These two provisions
banned the Jesuits and other religious orders whose religious activities were
dangerous for the State or disturbed the peace among the different creeds, as
well as the establishment of new convents or religious orders.
Article 50 (inserted in 1848) and article 49 of the Federal Constitution
(inserted in 1874) are the outcome of religious struggles and antagonisms.
The priority task of the Federal Constitution of 1848 had been to restore
peace between Catholics and Protestants, who had clashed very strongly during
the Sonderbund inter-denominational war the same year. The 1874 revision of
the Constitution also took place against a background of violent religious and
inter-denominational struggles, where the issue was, once again, the
establishment of peace between religions."
Tunisia
"The Tunisian people, which is largely Muslim and imbued with precepts
prohibiting any spiritual duress, has acquired from its ancestors the habit of
living alongside others and tolerating their difference, which explains with
no need for further comment the fact that there are no clashes between members
of different denominations in Tunisia."