In the annals of courageous actions, one type often overlooked is when a member of a domineering majority breaks ranks and speaks out on behalf of an oppressed minority.

In tribute to such deeds, two NGO committees at the United Nations are sponsoring a special event: “Unseen Valor: Acts of Interfaith Courage in the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief.”

Scheduled to be held on Thursday, 15 May 2014, at 1 pm at the offices of the Baha’i International Community (BIC), the event will feature speakers representing or talking about individuals or groups who have acted, at great peril, to express their solidarity with beleaguered religious minorities.

“The discussion about human rights and, in particular, freedom of religion or belief, often revolves around the role of member states and international law,” said Bani Dugal, president of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief, one of the sponsoring groups.

“But we know that citizen action is equally important in upholding freedom, and this event seeks to highlight those individuals who speak out, often at great personal risk, to demonstrate solidarity with the minority,” said Ms. Dugal, who is also the principal representative of the BIC to the United Nations.

“We have been particularly inspired by the actions of Ayatollah Abdol-Hamid Masoumi-Tehrani, a prominent Muslim cleric in Iran, who recently called for ‘religious coexistence’ with Iranian Baha’is, who are intensely persecuted by the Iranian government, and so we dedicate this event to him,” she said.

The speakers include:

• H.E. Mr. Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations
• Ms. Bani Dugal, President, NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief
• Dr. William Vendley, Secretary General, Religions for Peace
• Ms. Jacqueline Murekatete, survivor of the 1994 Rwanda genocide
• Dr. Borislava Manojlovic, Director of Research, School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University
• Mr. Adama Dieng, Special Advisor to the Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide
   

Lunch will be served during the two hour event, which is open to the news media. The event is co-sponsored by the Committee of Religious NGOs and the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief.