Diwali message

“As co-chair of the Intergroup for Freedom of Religion or Belief of
the European Parliament, I wish you all a “*Shubh Diwali*”. During this
celebratory moment families come together, lights are lit and food is
shared looking towards the prosperity of a new year. Let this positivity
direct us to promote tolerance and friendship in the world, especially
during this difficult period, when our thoughts are with the victims of
terrorism.

Diwali shows that our values of love, peace and respect for each other are
universal values. No terrorist act can ever endanger these values as they
are inherent in mankind, whatever one’s religion or belief.

Universal values prevail in every part of the world. Challenges such as the
anti-conversion and blasphemy laws in South Asia, which are in the
intergroup’s opinion violations of these values as laid down, inter alia,
in the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of
Discrimination based on Religion or Belief, can only be overcome by our
resolve to emphasise and re-emphasise the importance of these values.”

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