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Auckland Rally echoes global voice for religious freedom

Auckland, February 5, 2019

Mataatua Marae Deputy Chairman Pouroto Ngaropo speaking at the Rally

Several national and international organisations joined a rally on Monday, February 3, 2019 to demand religious freedom throughout the world.

Led by the Global Citizens’ Coalition for Social Justice, New Zealand meeting was held at the Mataatua Marae in Auckland.

Several human rights, religious and women’s organisations joined the rally, which was also held in several major cities including London, New York, Seoul and Cape Town.

Human Rights abuses opposed

The Rally, which opposed abuses of human rights by religious institutions globally, was held at a key time as celebrations begin for the World Interfaith Harmony Week to promote peace and tolerance among faiths and religious institutions.

The Meeting also reflected the religious freedom violations such as the practice of coercive conversion in South Korea, which has led to violent deaths.

Participants acknowledged the proud tradition of New Zealand in protecting and promoting human rights at home and overseas and that the country recognises that human rights are vital for the development of diverse, inclusive and democratic societies.

“Despite this, problems of family violence, racism and religious intolerance need to be addressed. Historically, the Māori people have also had their culture, language, and religion oppressed,” someone observed.

Government intervention sought

Internationally, civil society organisations are calling for governments to intervene and close down religious institutions abusing individuals’ rights to practice their religion of choice freely.

Protesters with placards demanding ban on Coercive Conversion

About the Global Citizens Human Rights Coalition

This Organisation comprises about 100 organisations in South Korea, including the International Women’s Peace Human Rights Commission, the Christian Association for Anti-Corruption National Movement and the World Buddhist Summit.

It was established to expose the practice of coercive conversion in the country and to call for the shut-down of the Christian Council of Korea (CCK) after a 27-year-old woman, Ji In Gu Ji-In , was murdered for refusing to abandon her faith.

On January 27, 2019, the coalition hosted a rally in Seoul where 30,000 people gathered to promote this cause (See Indian Newslink Report dated January 29, 2019).

Coercive Conversion of women

An official communique said, “In case of the rise of denominations that do not belong to the CCK, fake news is produced to judge them as “cult.” Also, women are targeted and confined for forceful conversion practices. The recent death of two women in the coercive conversion programs shows clearly that human rights and the lives of citizens are at risk because of the CCK.”

Waitaha Executive Grandmothers Council Director Jane Ruka said, “I wouldn’t tolerate it if I was in South Korea, and I can’t believe anyone else would do. I have the deepest sadness that one person died. What is the government of Korea doing, why are they tolerating it? This is the worst I have heard yet!”

Global Citizen’s Coalition for Social Justice has appealed to New Zealanders to join its movement to end human rights abuses by religious institutions and the practice of coercive conversion.

“We call on the New Zealand government to condemn these practices and encourage the protection of the right to freedom of religion in our country, region and around the world,” the Communique said.

www.endcoerciveconversion.org/main.html?lang=eng

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