Religious minorities should be handled with respect and dignity in Europe. This is key to NCA’s credibility when promoting this view in other parts of the world. The ban is clearly in breach of freedom of religion as protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCP), and discriminates on the basis of religious belief, affiliation, and activity. NCA joins the council in its call on the Norwegian government to encourage Switzerland to fulfil its human rights obligations.
NCA also wishes to express its appreciation for the work of the Islamic Council Norway (ICN). The ICN deserves recognition for its considerable work on religion and human rights. NCA recognizes that adherence to the ICCP is conducive to close and constructive relations between faiths in our society. In our work to promote peace and reconciliation with multi-faith platforms around the world we draw strength, knowledge and courage from the kind of relationship we have with the ICN.