News about the Israeli security forces raiding the Masjid al-Aqsa and the detention of many Palestinian civilians by interfering with those who took shelter in the Qibla Masjid took place in the written and visual media.

 

Freedom of religion and conscience, as a right protected by the international acquis, constitutes one of the indispensable elements of a pluralistic democratic society. As a matter of fact, in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), the freedom of religion and conscience regulated in Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) constitutes one of the cornerstones of a democratic and pluralistic society, and that it is one of the most important elements that shape the identities and lifestyles of believers with its religious dimension. and that it was emphasized that it was obtained at a heavy price as a result of a struggle that lasted for centuries. (ECtHR, Kokkinakis v. Greece, App. No: 14307/88, 25/5/1993, para. 3).

 

Freedom of religion and conscience; includes the freedom to manifest one's religion, such as worshiping and attending religious ceremonies, alone and in private or in community with others, in public and in an environment with others (ECtHR, Cha'are Shalom v. Tsedek v. France, B. No: 27417/95, 27/06/2000, para. 73).

 

Despite international efforts to promote a culture of global peace based on respect for human rights and different religions and beliefs, it is seen that the fight against discrimination based on religion, which threatens global peace and social peace, is insufficient. As a typical indicator of discrimination based on religion, Islamophobia also deepens discriminatory attitudes towards Muslim individuals and groups. In the General Policy Recommendation No. 5 of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe on “Combating Intolerance and Discrimination Against Muslims”, it is stated that governments have a duty to support freedom of religion and to ensure that all believers without exception can live and develop in their societies without fear of intolerance and discrimination.

 

Our Institution, whose main mission is to protect and promote human rights, to prevent discrimination and to raise awareness on this issue, strongly condemns these attacks, which violate the freedom of religion and conscience and constitute religious discrimination, against those who worship in Masjid al-Aqsa during Ramadan.

 

Respectfully announced to the public.