OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation debates freedom of belief in the armed forces

VIENNA, 15 February 2016 – The role of military chaplains in ensuring armed forces’ compliance with the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security’s commitments in regard to human rights was in the focus of today’s discussion in the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC), currently under Romania’s Chairmanship.

The Code is a unique OSCE instrument for developing mechanisms of democratic civilian control over the armed forces, security forces, intelligence services, police, private security and paramilitary forces. It contains provisions committing each participating State to ensuring that military, paramilitary and security forces personnel are able to enjoy and exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Ion Ilinca, Military Priest in the Department for Religious Assistance of Romania’s Ministry of National Defence, said that military chaplains “not only provide religious and pastoral care, but also advise commanders on how to deal with the complexities of religion with regard to their personnel and mission.”

As the armed forces reflect the religious diversity of societies, it is important for military chaplains to be able “to work in a pluralistic religious environment, respecting and accommodating members of all faiths,” Ilinca said.

Chief Imam Nesib Hadžić of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina shared the experience of his country, explaining that the united military religious service consists of the Office of the Military Mufti, the Office of Military Bishop and the Office of Chief of Orthodox Military Service, representing Muslims, Roman Catholics and Orthodox communities.

Hadžić noted that military chaplains help to promote tolerance and understanding within military forces that include different ethnic groups, as is the case in his country.

Other speakers included Stefan Gugerel, Military Chaplain and Director of the Institute for Religion and Peace of the Military Ordinariate, Austria, and Colonel George Youstra, Chief of Religious Affairs of the United States Air Force.