In his contribution, Deputy Minister Šrámek pointed out the increasing number of attacks against the freedom of thought, believes and religion, in various parts of the world. He underlined the responsibilty of governments to protect its population. If needed, the international community – through the United Nations – should help protect people from crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and genocide. Deputy Minister Šrámek stressed that Czech foreign policy is ready to fight against any kind of discrimination and will strive for protection of human dignity.

Czech Republic´s focus on human rights and democracy leads us to protection of religious minorities. So far, the Czech Republic carried out relevant projects in Myanmar, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Cuba. The Czech Republic also supports intercultural an interfaith dialogue through organizing conferences such as “Forum 2000” or a dialogue with members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.