BPUR International urges Iraqi PM to support treaty against political use of religion

Shafaq News

07-05-2025

Shafaq News/ The BPUR International, a UK-based NGO, called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to support a global initiative to establish an international treaty banning the political exploitation of religion.
In an official letter to the Prime Minister, the organization expressed appreciation for al-Sudani's interest in the initiative during a meeting in London months earlier and for the ongoing communication between Iraqi representatives and the initiative's team. It also praised the Prime Minister's role in 'promoting regional stability and guiding Iraq toward recovery and development.'
Founded by British-Iraqi writer Salam Sarhan, the initiative, now five years in the making, has expanded beyond its Iraqi roots and is gaining international momentum. According to the letter, the Council of Europe is expected to formally endorse the initiative after two years of deliberations, and it has already secured support from over 80 countries and engaged in direct dialogue with dozens of governments, particularly from the Arab and Islamic worlds.
The proposed treaty seeks to translate respect for all religions into 'clear, universally recognized standards that prohibit the misuse of religious sanctity for political purposes.' The letter also emphasized that the initiative is in full alignment with the Iraqi constitution and resonates with the values of responsible governments worldwide.
BPUR International highlighted the initiative's simplicity as a key strength, arguing that it is difficult for any political party or government to reject without appearing to condone religious exploitation. It added that Iraqi religious leaders are among the most enthusiastic supporters of the initiative, which has the potential to shift even hardline actors toward tolerance and moderation.
Calling it a 'proactive Iraqi step,' the organization noted the 'historical significance of such a proposal originating from Iraq—land of ancient civilizations and sacred heritage—long affected by religious politicization.'
The letter also linked the initiative to Iraq's November 2025 elections, stating that banning the political use of religion reflects the aspirations of many Iraqi voters and could help increase turnout, particularly after low participation in previous elections, which was partly attributed to religious manipulation.
BPUR International revealed that a major development is expected soon: the Council of Europe's decision urging its 46 member states to adopt and promote the initiative. In addition, the organization is preparing to host a global conference at the Italian Senate in Rome on September 25, bringing together officials, parliamentarians, and international figures from dozens of countries to launch a coalition in support of the treaty and chart its path to the United Nations.
The organization has formally invited Prime Minister al-Sudani or his representative to attend the Rome conference and present Iraq's experience in defeating terrorism, which it describes as a critical contribution to global peace and security.
BPUR also proposed that Baghdad host an international conference titled 'Global Standards to Disarm Extremism' to reinforce Iraq's central role in the initiative and enhance its regional and global leadership in addressing religious extremism.
'This is Iraq's initiative on the global stage,' the letter concluded. 'It can help stabilize the region and the world, and it needs your support at this advanced stage of official dialogue with dozens of governments and international bodies.'
The letter was signed by Salam Sarhan, Founder and Secretary-General of BPUR International.