Mr. Chairman,

Freedom of religious belief is an indispensable part of human rights. The UN Charter and other important international human rights instruments have made clear stipulations on the protection of religious freedom, which reflect the basic views on the freedom of religious belief of the majority of the countries and people around the world. Such stipulations have also become the universal principles and important grounds for the protection of these fundamental human rights by the international community.

The Universal Declaration for Human Rights clearly specifies that, "Education shall……promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups". Education of this type can enable man, starting from his childhood, to learn to respect the religious belief and practice of others, and thus achieving a tolerant and harmonious social environment. It can also serve as a very important means to prevent the whole society from disorder and chaos caused by the differences and conflicts among religious beliefs.

So far as the education on freedom of religious belief is concerned, one must bear one important principle in mind, i.e. our world is a colorful one. Diversities among nations, religions and cultures should be duly respected. People should stand for mutual inclusiveness instead of exclusion, mutual exchanges instead of discrimination, dialogue instead of confrontation, and co-existence instead of conflict. On the basis of mutual respect, equality and seeking common ground while setting aside minor differences, all countries should bring into full play the role of various civilizations and religions with a view to promoting a continuous development of humankind and common progress of all nations and people of the world.

Mr. Chairman,

China has all along been respecting and protecting the freedom of religious belief of its people. China's Constitution ensures that citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief and its relevant laws also make clear and specific provisions protecting religious freedom and equal rights of believers. These provisions are consistent with the relevant international human rights instruments. There are now five main religions in China, namely, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. The total number of believers amounts to more than 100 million. The religious sites and professional personnel also reach 100,000 and 300,000 respectively. All religions are enjoying equal status and peaceful co-existence. Unlike the religious wars in the Western world in the Middle Ages, there has never been one in China. People, whether religious or non-religious, respect each other and live in harmony.

China is an ancient civilization, where the concept of "Human beings come first" and "Harmony is what matters most" is an inherent part of its culture. This characteristics of the Chinese traditional culture is also reflected in its educational system. In China's present elementary and secondary schools, the knowledge of religion, regarded as part of the culture, is introduced in the textbooks of history, literature, arts and social sciences. In some universities and institutes, teaching and research on science of religion is being developed. Through these channels, religious knowledge and philosophy such as freedom of religious belief, mutual respect, harmony and non-discrimination are widely spread in the society.

The Chinese Government is devoting major efforts to promoting the rule of law combined with rule of virtue. Recently, the Chinese Government initiated the Program for Implementation of Citizen's Morality Building, with an aim to advocating nation-wide respect for, understanding of and caring for others, and in particular tolerance of other's choices in religious belief. This Program is currently in full implementation in schools at various levels.

Mr. Chairman,

When one talks about the education of freedom of religious belief, one should always keep high alert on the vicious intrusion by the cults in whatever forms. To such evil cult, the international community has no other choice but to give firm and full rejection and refusal.

In recent years, the international community has made unremitting efforts in promoting and protecting freedom of religious belief. The UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights adopt relevant resolutions every year. Against this background, the Conference today is another new effort of the international community in strengthening the cooperation under the agenda. The Chinese delegation is willing to work with other delegations to make this conference a success.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.