There are reports that Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkheitir faces his final appeal on 15 November, only days after a leading Muslim religious body in Mauritania reiterated calls for him to be executed following his death sentence for ‘apostasy’. The 28-year-old blogger was arrested In Mauritania in January 2014 for allegedly publishing an article seen by some…
The report recommends that the FCO should publish a clear set of standards for the political philosophies that the UK is committed to engaging with, and suggests three criteria: i) Participation in, and preservation of, democracy. Support for democratic culture, including a commitment to give up power after an election defeat. ii) An interpretation of faith…
As a Christian convert and his family are compelled to move, the APPG for International Freedom of Religion or Belief has expressed its deep concern over the increase in incidents of crime in the UK on grounds of individuals’ perceived or actual beliefs. On 9 November 2016, after years of targeting and even physical attack since…
On 1 November Dr Ahmed Shaheed tweeted “Today I assume the duties of UN SR on freedom of religion or belief. I look forward to working with all to advance this foundational right.” Up to that date Dr Shaheed had been Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran….
Fifty religious leaders from the Christian and Muslim minorities in India met together in September to discuss the religious freedom challenges facing both groups under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Christians are “facing physical, symbolic and structural violence” from Hindu extremists across the country, said Father Z. Devasagaya Raj at the conference in New Delhi. A…
Under the heading A DECLARATION OF FREEDOM, Sunday Worship on BBC Radio 4, 8.10am Sunday 30 October, will come live from The Well, Retford, Notts, marking the work of Thomas Helwys, one of the earliest campaigners for freedom of religious conscience. The programme will also explore the work of those who advocate for freedom of religion or…
To celebrate International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief & the Commonwealth Initiative for Freedom of Religion or Belief held a roundtable event to assess the present state of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) around the world and the current work at the…
Last week the Foreign Office issued an updated version of its Toolkit, first produced in 2009. It begins: Freedom of religion or belief is a key human right. The right to adopt a religion, to practice it without hindrance, to share your faith and to change your religion are all key freedoms that everyone should be able…
Last week the Foreign Office hosted a 2-day summit to bring together experts to explore how freedom of religion or belief can help prevent violent extremism. In her opening speech Baroness Anelay said “Freedom of Religion or Belief is fundamental to a successful society.” The conference explored how building inclusive societies, in which people have freedom…
Last week many MPs and peers attended the launch of the Hope for the Middle East report, highlighting the desire of Christians in Syria and Iraq to be able to stay in their countries with equality, dignity and responsibility. The launch was hosted by Kate Green MP, former Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, and those…