On December 8, 2010, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights organized a meeting in Vienna called "Capacity Building Seminar on Freedom of Religion and Belief". Different representatives from Human Rights organizations attended the meeting.

During the seminar, Prof. Cole Durham, Prof. Silvio Ferrari and Prof. Gerhard Robbers presented main components of freedom of religion and belief, their external and internal dimensions, which are connected with the rights in the sphere of religion, also they presented the right of expression of religious preference, as well as its acceptable restrictions. During the meeting the role of human rights defenders in observing and preparing reports was also discussed.

As mentioned, on the present stage of development of human rights, it is important to improve both the legal instruments and the public perception and treatment connected with intolerance in the sphere of religious beliefs.

Such meetings are especially necessary for training media representatives, since they are not only a source for disseminating information, but also a powerful tool in forming public opinion. From this point of view organizing such seminars on freedom of religion and belief is important and it is desirable that the OSCE Office continues such trainings, having in the agenda the purpose of disseminating knowledge on other problems as well.

Also, on December 9-10, 2010 an OSCE Supplementary Meeting on Freedom of Religion and Belief was organized in Hofburg, where the ambassadors made their speeches and the participants were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Sofya Avagyan

Source: www.hra.am