E/CN.4/1999/58/Add.1
page 29
involuntary because due to ignorance - of discrimination and intolerance in
the field of religion (cutting young Native Americans' hair in schools, etc.).
The participation of Native Americans in the executive is particularly
important and helps to promote greater awareness and reduce the
marginalization of these people; it is therefore to be welcomed. It is
also desirable that Native Americans, who in general suffer from an
accumulation of unfavourable conditions - economic, social, cultural and
religious - should benefit in practice from a policy of support to compensate
for these inequalities. The Special Rapporteur fully understands that, as the
authorities stated, the Native American question is to be viewed in the
context of a long-term process, and he welcomes the advances made in recent
years. Some official representatives, however, said that more could be done;
the Special Rapporteur shares that view and would encourage the authorities to
act accordingly.
86.
Finally, the Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that education can
play a primary role in making people aware of the values of tolerance and
non-discrimination in the field of religion and belief and of the richness of
every denomination and belief. In schools, in particular, it can inculcate
values based on human rights and thus encourage a culture of tolerance. The
federal authorities have launched such a preventive strategy through the
programme “Preventing Youth Crime: A Manual for Schools and Communities”.
The Special Rapporteur would encourage the federal Government to extend and
develop a national policy coordinated at the federal and state levels in the
field of education in order to reach all educational institutions, teachers,
pupils and students. It is also strongly recommended that non-governmental
organizations should make a contribution.
87.
The Special Rapporteur also recommends a campaign for greater
sensitivity in the media so that they do not put out a biased and harmful
message with regard to religion and beliefs. There have to be limits on the
fundamental freedom of the press when it generates actual intolerance, the
antithesis of freedom. There is something wrong if certain media hide behind
the fundamental principle of freedom in order to pervert it. The Special
Rapporteur reiterates his recommendations regarding action to be taken under
the advisory services programme (E/CN.4/1995/91, p. 147) and particularly the
organization of training workshops for representatives of the media. He also
calls for the establishment of machinery for consultation between the media
and the religious communities. Finally, he invites media proprietors to show
a more acute sense of responsibility in all fields.
88.
Last but not least, the Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize the value
of the interdenominational dialogue which he found to be taking place in
certain places he visited, and particularly in California.