Statement on International Day of Religious Freedom
October 27, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
“Freedom of religion and freedom of belief are not merely ideals, but essential cornerstones of resilient, prosperous, and harmonious societies where individuals from all walks of life can thrive and feel embraced. These rights are universal human rights, strongly enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are fundamentally integrated into Canada’s international diplomatic engagements. As a proud multicultural, multi-faith, and multi-ethnic nation, Canada stands firmly united with all faith and belief communities today and consistently strives to do so every day.
“Worldwide, these fundamental freedoms are increasingly under threat and require our vigilant defense. It is imperative that each of us takes up the mantle to denounce hatred wherever and whenever it manifests, fostering an atmosphere of love and acceptance instead. Canada is dedicated to championing the rights of faith and belief communities on a global scale.
“We are particularly alarmed by the alarming global surge in antisemitism and Islamophobia that has been noted by numerous human rights organizations. The nation has witnessed a dramatic increase in violent incidents, hate crimes, and instances of hate speech, both across Canada and around the globe since the tragic events of October 7, 2023. The prevalence of online hate and vitriol has reached unprecedented levels, marking a disturbing trend. Antisemitism should not be regarded as solely a challenge for the Jewish community to confront, just as Islamophobia is not an issue confined exclusively to the Muslim community. Both manifestations of bigotry stand in direct opposition to our cherished values of respect, dignity, and the pursuit of peaceful dialogue.
“Canada is taking meaningful action to protect these targeted communities, including through the dedicated efforts of Deborah Lyons, Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, and Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia.
“Canada will steadfastly continue its advocacy efforts both domestically and internationally to safeguard the rights of persecuted minorities. Hatred and discrimination, including on the basis of religion or belief, must find no refuge in Canada or in the global community we aspire to build.”
**Interview with Minister Mélanie Joly on the International Day of Religious Freedom**
**Editor:** Good morning, Minister Joly. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent statement regarding the International Day of Religious Freedom.
**Minister Joly:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
**Editor:** In your statement, you emphasized that freedom of religion and belief are essential for resilient societies. Could you elaborate on why these freedoms are particularly important in the context of Canada’s multicultural landscape?
**Minister Joly:** Certainly. Canada is a tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and faiths, and it’s crucial that every individual feels free to express their identity. By protecting freedom of religion and belief, we ensure that diverse groups can coexist peacefully and contribute to our society. These freedoms underpin social cohesion and economic prosperity.
**Editor:** You mentioned that these rights are entrenched in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. How does Canada incorporate these principles into its international diplomatic engagements?
**Minister Joly:** Canada actively promotes religious freedom on the international stage by addressing violations and advocating for marginalized religious communities. We work with global partners to reinforce the importance of these freedoms and support initiatives that protect individuals facing persecution due to their beliefs.
**Editor:** Given the current global climate, where many religious groups face hardships, what message do you hope to send to Canadians and the international community on this day?
**Minister Joly:** I hope to convey that we must stand together against intolerance and discrimination. Every Canadian has a role to play in fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all faiths are respected. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting understanding and dialogue, both at home and abroad.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Joly, for your insights on this crucial issue.
**Minister Joly:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such a vital topic.
D contribute to the collective strength of our society. These freedoms foster dialogue, understanding, and respect among different communities, which are vital in building a harmonious nation.
**Editor:** You mentioned the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. What specific steps is Canada taking to combat these forms of hatred?
**Minister Joly:** We are taking multiple approaches. First, we have dedicated representatives like Deborah Lyons and Amira Elghawaby focused on combating antisemitism and Islamophobia, respectively. They play essential roles in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes. We are also enhancing our resources for educational programs that promote tolerance and understanding. Furthermore, we are working closely with law enforcement agencies to address hate crimes promptly and effectively.
**Editor:** Your statement calls for collective action against hatred. How can individuals contribute to fostering a culture of acceptance and love in their communities?
**Minister Joly:** Each individual has the power to make a difference. It starts with open conversations—challenging biased views, standing up against hate speech, and promoting inclusion in our daily lives. Community engagement is key. Volunteering with diverse groups, participating in interfaith dialogues, and educating ourselves and others about different cultures can significantly impact our shared societal values of respect and dignity.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you want to convey to Canadians on this International Day of Religious Freedom?
**Minister Joly:** I want Canadians to understand that defending the rights of one community is defending the rights of all. Our strength lies in our unity and our commitment to protecting the freedoms that allow each of us to express who we are. Let us stand together against intolerance in all its forms and strive to create a society where everyone feels valued and respected.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Joly, for your insights and commitment to this vital issue.
**Minister Joly:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss it. It’s a responsibility we all share, and I’m hopeful for the progress we can make together.