Yerevan 2013

Introduction Communiqué de Presse

Strasbourg. 28.08.2013 – “Freedom of religion in today’s world: challenges and guarantees”: in the framework of the Armenian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the 2013 Council of Europe Exchange on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue takes place at the Government Guest House, in Yerevan, on 2-3 September 2013.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Edward Nalbandian, opened the event with the Dean of "Gevorgyan Theological Faculty", Bishop Gevorg Saroyan.

The Republic of Armenia has included the promotion of European values through intercultural dialogue among the main priorities of its Chairmanship (16 May – 14 November 2013), with a view to stepping up action in combating intolerance and promoting freedom of religion, according to Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

The 6th edition of the Exchange envisages plenary sessions and three panels:

1) “Freedom of religion, conscience and thought as a fundamental right in contemporary societies”;

2) “Protection of persons belonging to religious minorities, believers and non-believers and their contribution to the fight against intolerance, discrimination and hate speech with regard to freedom of religion”;

3) “Avenues for future action within and beyond Europe: youth education and awareness-raising on religion and beliefs, dialogue and co-operation among and with religious and non-religious representatives”.

The event gathers delegates of religious communities and non-religious convictions, mainstream media professionals as well as experts, academics and representatives of international organisations and NGOs.