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Foreign Minister Westerwelle underscores German Government's efforts to advance freedom of religion
Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met with Heiner Bielefeldt, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, at the German Bundestag today (11 May). Volker Kauder, the head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, also attended the meeting.
Their talks focused on the current situation of Christian minority groups and other persecuted religious groups around the world.
Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement:
Religious minorities in many parts of the world, from Christians in Nigeria to Baha’i in Iran, continue to suffer discrimination and frequent attacks.
I am pleased that so many people in Germany are working on behalf of tolerance and freedom of religion, both at home and abroad. Campaigning for freedom of religion and belief and protecting religious minorities are essential parts of our human rights policy.
The German Government supports Professor Bielefeldt’s important work and welcomes the dedication he brings to his role as UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief.