should be promoted among journalists to improve the representation of religions in
the media, including at national level, since the media affect the way religious
minorities are viewed. (As to this topic, Italy recalls that Council's resolution 24/15,
that we promoted with other countries, established.that the focus group of the third
phase of the World Programme of Human Rights Education are medja professionals
and journalists, with special emphasis inter alia — on intercultural and interreligious
dialogue);
Freedom of religion or belief, especially for minorities, cannot be ensured
without freedom of expression and vice-versa: freedom of expression grants religious
minorities the right to manifest their conception of life and world. In broader terms,
freedomt of religion and belief and freedom of expression are located on a legal
continuum rather than opposition to each other: being central components of a
democratic and pluralistic society, they may reinforce each other. Furthermore, legal
protection of both freedoms can only be effectively implemented when an atmosphere
of mutual respect is eStablished.
I. thank you.