Personal impressions of the seminar by Mary Robinson, High Commissioner for Human Rights

Colleagues, distinguished experts, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

These past two days have been extraordinary. We have listened to presentations from you, our eminent experts, dealing with a wide range of crucial human rights topics from the perspective of Islam, and we have had very interesting exchanges of views. I, for one, have learned much. I have been very enriched by the opportunity to listen to the discussion, debate and exchange of views.

As you know, when planning this seminar we agreed that, because of the complex nature of the subjects, the academic character of the debates and the short time available, we would not attempt to adopt final conclusions or recommendations. I believe that decision was a correct one. There will be other opportunities, other contexts, other structures of debate and participation in the future. This was a beginning – a very enriching beginning.

However, I also believe that the importance of the discussions which have taken place and the understanding which has been built up merits some response reflecting what has transpired here. And thus I would like to share with you my own personal impressions of these two days. These thoughts are my own and do not engage you individually nor the seminar as such.

I have learned of the fundamental principles of Islam relating to the dignity of the human person, to the search for justice and the protection of the weak, solidarity, respect for other cultures and beliefs. In all these discussions, no one expressed doubts about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights nor denied the legitimacy or universality of international human rights standards. And we have heard of the relevance of international standards, including the Universal Declaration, to promoting and protecting human rights on the national level.

Our attention has been called to the way in which human rights are actually lived. The principles of Islam relating to human dignity and social solidarity are a rich resource from which to face the human rights challenges of today. Islamic concern with human dignity is old; it goes back to the very beginning. It is also dynamic, as it confronts the challenges of today.

Our discussions have not only referred to Islam. They have also brought out a central challenge to the human community as a whole and to those interested in respect for human rights in particular; how big have we made the Arc of the Universal Declaration? Is it wide enough to encompass all humanity, or is it reserved for a privileged few?

I do not wish for a moment to minimize the serious situation of human rights in many countries or the need to act, as many of you have emphasized. But I found that we have been looking forward during this seminar with each seeking how, in her or his own way, the challenge of protecting human rights today can be met.

In organizing this seminar I wanted to show that the United Nations was open for dialogue and ready to listen to those who seek better protection for human rights. This seminar has been part of a process which has opened a channel of communication. That channel should stay open and I believe we should now reflect on how best to carry it forward. As I explained when I intervened, this seminar is complete in itself, in the sense that it has been based on an agreed procedure. It has been my intention to publish the proceedings of this seminar. I welcome the encouragement from you as experts that the proceedings should be published, and date of 10 December of this year would be a symbolic one.

Finally, I want to express my appreciation to you, the experts and guests, to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, to the Governments which have supported this process and to the individuals, including my own colleagues, who have invested time and effort in making this seminar a reality.

I recall during my first session of the Commission on Human Rights as High Commissioner that the Chairman challenged the Commission to make a difference. It was a good challenge. In a sense it was implicit in us all coming together for this seminar that we would try to make a difference. I believe that this seminar has made a difference. It will not be without its critics, and that is good: criticism is in itself a learning process and a fruitful and helpful one. But I believe that by having this seminar, by exchanging papers and views as experts, by having a listening to your contributions, that we have made a difference.

I thank you all.