“Despicable and totally uncalled for is what one can say of the incident regarding the stoning of a mosque in Wainisasa” says ECREA’s Director, Joseph Camillo. Mr Camillo says that “while others may see this as simply an act of hooliganism and mere selfishness, the incident calls for a deeper analysis into how religious freedom has continuously been violated in this country.”    

Mr Camillo further says that “for a multicultural society such as Fiji we must embrace the diversities in our beliefs and culture and should be an inspiration to our co-existence”. He further states that “although our constitution no longer is in existence other international human rights covenants, including the UDHR and ICERD depicts freedom of worship and this incident is a total violation of this universal freedom”

ECREA’s core Programmes upholds the value of multicultural living and sees cultural and religious diversities as agents for intercultural integration for a more peaceful coexistence. The Director added that “act as such should not be condoned because it does not only encourage religious fanaticism but further polarizes ethnic relationships in this country.”Those caught in these grievous deeds should be actively and efficiently dealt with by the Police and prosecuted by our Judiciary.”

 

ENDS