Is religious freedom on the decline in certain parts of Asia? This is the comment and voice of concern that has been shared by USA. What does this mean in a social context and how does one look at the statement without an eye straining political lens? Here are a few quick pointers:
- Conflict does not thrive in isolation. If the recent comments of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, are to be taken in context, then we may well have to connect the dots in order to prevent any kind of conflict. His theory is that all nations have to work together in order to foster inclusion with a focused approach towards sustainable development and shared climate change ideals at the heart of such policies and programs. This would bring greater representation of all those involved even as the chance of conflict would be lessened by granting more equitable opportunities to all those involved.
- The situation of the IS-K advancing and expanding over the borders of Afghanistan is another case in question where the minorities would continue to suffer while sustainable development would still be ignored and placed on the back burner in a fight for terror to be induced to gain control over the region. This would have to be combatted in order to keep any religious freedom threats at bay.
- Blaming the situation on any country alone is not the answer to any of the problems being faced in the region. Polarization is something that needs to be addressed rather than the smaller issue of religious freedom. This is due to the fact that polarization is giving rise to political extremism in some areas, while it is seen as a religious tool in others.
- The larger problem that needs to be addressed is of inclusion and more representation of all sections of society.