The United States is also concerned over Russia's new religion law, which could result in severe restrictions on minority religions, particularly Evangelical Protestants, and even some offshoots of Orthodox and other religions. Islam is one of the world's great religions, Mr. Chairman, and one of the fastest-growing faiths in our own country. We share with our Muslim citizens concern over the growing intolerance expressed by certain elements of European society. At the same time, we cannot accept those who invoke Islam or other religions as justification for atrocious human rights abuses. Mr. Chairman, as we examine the Special Rapporteur's report on religious intolerance and the toll it takes on our societies, we should also reflect on the positive role that religious leaders can play in conflict resolution and national reconciliation.
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right.
The Commission needs to consider ways in which it can work with religious communities to further the cause of religious freedom and respect for all other universal human rights. We note the studies on religious freedom that India's Krishnaswami, Costa Rica's Elisabeth Odio Benito and the Netherland's Theo van Boven have prepared for this Commission and the leadership of Senegal's late Abdoulaye Dieye who guided the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Religious Intolerance to its completion. The Commission could not have made the progress that it has without contributions from scholars and experts from all parts of the world. The United States strongly supported the creation of the special rapporteur on religious intolerance and looks forward to the renewal of the mandate. We need to build on these achievements, Mr. Chairman.