We are aware of the importance of the concept of Jihad in Islam, widely interpreted as "struggle" - both in the sense of personal struggle, and in the struggle to promote Islam in the wider world. In recent years, however, it is the second meaning that has gained prominence with calls from many quarters for "Holy War". Since the events of 11th September 2001, Jihad has unfortunately become synonymous with the activities of Islamist extremists.

It is the second meaning of Jihad that we shall be considering today, together with its implications for Muslims, for Christians and Jews living under Islamic jurisdiction, for infidels and apostates, and for women and young girls. Our speakers today are all either internationally renowned experts in their field, or have themselves been victims of jihad ideology - and in some cases, both. Several of our speakers have recently received death threats from extremists.

Our purpose today is not to attack Islam, nor, by turning the spotlight onto abuse and terror carried out in the name of Islam, to condone the abuse of human rights by the followers of other religions, by military forces, by governments, or by non-state actors. Our primary concern is Human Rights. During the current 61st Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, for example, the NGOs hosting today's conference have drawn attention to the appalling systematic abuse of Dalits by members of the Hindu caste system in India and South Asia, have spoken in support of secularism and religious freedom, and have addressed the plight of people being held as slaves in southern Sudan, and abuse being carried out against Muslims in Darfur.

Abuse of human rights is no less serious, nor can it be justified, because it is carried out in the name of a religion - or in pursuit of some "higher" purpose. We believe that acts must be judged by their consequences. Collateral damage is as much the responsibility of the perpetrators as is damage to the intended target. And it is no defence of abuse to argue that others are equal or worse abusers.

Neither is it a defence to argue that those who carry out abuse in the name of Islam are not true Muslims; the fact is, many believe they are, having been taught that "death for the sake of Allah is the loftiest of wishes". By taking over the concept of Jihad for their own violent purposes these extremists have created a major problem for their co-religionists. Muslims now frequently find themselves in the position of having either to condemn the actions and deny the religious claims of the extremists, or risk finding themselves accused of condoning abuse.

We note that in the resolution "Combating Defamation of Religions", adopted by the Commission on 12th April, Pakistan, on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference "expresses deep concern that Islam is frequently and wrongly associated with human rights violations and terrorism". The resolution however not only fails to condemn, it fails even to mention the terrorists and violators of human rights who defame Islam by claiming that their violence is done in its name.

In an urgent appeal to the delegations of the 53 member states of the Commission on 8th April, IHEU called for the insertion of the following paragraph into the resolution:
The Commission "Calls upon the international community to condemn all who defame religion by claiming to kill in the name of their religion or God."
Sadly, this plea fell on deaf ears, and the resolution was approved by 31 votes to 16. .

Today's conference is in four sessions. The first begins with presentations on the concepts of jihad and martyrdom, and the impact of these ideas on the lives of ordinary Muslims. This will be followed by a session on Dhimmis-the Christians and Jews living under Islamic law. After lunch we shall hear presentations on the perils of being considered an apostate or a heretic in Islamic society. Our final session will focus on the abuse of women and young girls, and will include presentations by Taslima Nasreen, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

We are holding this conference in parallel with the current session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in order to draw wider attention to the problem of human rights abuse carried out in the name of Islam and to challenge those who maintain that human rights abuse in the name of Islam does not exist, or that what others call abuse is justifiable under Islamic law.

We intend to show today that human rights abuse in the cause of Jihad is primarily a problem for the Islamic world, and to call upon its leaders-especially the Organisation of the Islamic Conference-to begin seriously to address this issue.

Whilst we are happy to provide a platform for the discussion of an issue that has important implications for human rights and freedom of expression, the views expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsoring organisations.

Sponsoring NGOs

International Humanist and Ethical Union

The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) is the world umbrella organisation for Humanist, Ethical Culture, Secularist, Rationalist and Freethought organisations, and is one of the oldest International NGOs with special consultative status at the United Nations. For over 50 years, IHEU has been a stalwart defender of human rights, and of freedom of religion and belief.

Association for World Education

The Association for World Education (AWE) has since 1972 worked for education to promote international understanding and respect for human rights at UNESCO and within UNHCHR.

Association of World Citizens

The Association of World Citizens (AWC) has since 1975 been active in the field of human rights and strengthening international law, at the UNHCHR and elsewhere.