UNAMA - Statements by SRSG

[Print Version]

The legal case involving Mr. Abdul Rahman is a matter that I am following with great concern. Mr Rahman has apparently been charged because of converting from Islam to Christianity. He was brought before a court in Kabul last week under Sharia charges. I am unaware of any previous case of this kind in Afghanistan. It is my wish that Mr. Rahman’s legal and human rights will be upheld, and that this matter does not create a rift between Afghanistan and its international partners.

The position of the United Nations on freedom of religious worship stems from a founding document of the United Nations: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the “freedom to change religion or belief”. Afghanistan, as a member of the United Nations, has adhered to this declaration since it came into being. In addition, the Universal Declaration features in the opening sentences of the 2004 Constitution.

I trust that these principles will guide the judicial authorities in all cases, including this one.

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		Statement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan on the trial of Abdul Rahman
		[Print Version] The legal case involving Mr. Abdul Rahman is a matter that I am following with great concern. Mr Rahman has apparently been charged because of converting from Islam to Christianity. He was brought before a court in Kabul last week under Sharia charges. I am unaware of any previous case of this kind in Afghanistan. It is my wish that Mr. Rahman’s legal and human rights will be upheld, and that this matter does not create a rift between Afghanistan and its international partners. The position of the United Nations on freedom of religious worship stems from a founding document of the United Nations: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the “freedom to change religion or belief”. Afghanistan, as a member of the United Nations, has adhered to this declaration since it came into being. In addition, the Universal Declaration features in the opening sentences of the 2004 Constitution. I trust that these principles will guide the judicial authorities in all cases, including this one. _______________


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