Dr. Dominic F. Dixon, Executive Director of the United Nations Association for the Development of Administration and Peace (UNADAP), spoke on religious intolerance and social cohesion at the UN Office in Geneva, marking the 77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on December 10.
Speaking to global Human Rights Ambassadors, Dr. Dixon stressed the collective responsibility of societies to safeguard harmony and peaceful coexistence. He warned that the actions of fringe elements pose a critical threat to national unity, social cohesion, and shared democratic values.
To illustrate the lived realities of discrimination faced by minorities who excel nationally, Dr. Dixon specifically cited Indian women’s cricket player Jemimah Rodrigues. He used her experience as a concrete example of intolerance, drawing attention to the reality of bias despite an individual’s significant national contribution.
Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues faced a storm of religious intolerance when Mumbai’s Khar Gymkhana revoked her honorary membership, alleging her father had organized Christian prayer meetings on its premises. The move, widely criticized as prejudiced, stripped Jemimah of recognition she had earned as the club’s first woman cricketer member. She described the episode as deeply painful, saying it brought “shame” but also strengthened her faith.
Yet, in spite of this humiliation, Jemimah answered with her bat on the world stage. In October 2025, she produced one of the greatest innings in Indian women’s cricket history, scoring an unbeaten 127 to lead India to a record chase of 339 against defending champions Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-final. Her extraordinary grit not only saved the game but also secured India’s place in the final, turning personal adversity into national triumph.
Dr. Dixon underscored the danger of silence in the face of prejudice, stating: “Intolerance is not merely a social issue; it is a structural one. When we allow religious hostility to chip away at the foundation of shared identity, we risk far more than minor discord. We risk fracturing the very soul of a nation, paralyzing its potential, and betraying the democratic ideals enshrined in our constitutions.” Emphasizing the moral foundation of strong nations, Dr. Dixon quoted from Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation.”
He concluded with a pointed challenge to the diplomatic community: “True national strength is not measured by economic output or military might, but by the dignity with which its most vulnerable citizens are treated. Our commitment must be visible, it must be unwavering, and it must translate into actionable policies that protect every citizen’s right to worship, serve, and thrive without fear.”
Dr Dixon’s address serves as a compelling call for a renewed global commitment to peace, tolerance, justice, and the protection of fundamental human dignity worldwide.
- C.M. Paul, Matters India
