Category: News

The seven official reports to the UN Human Rights Council of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religions and Belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, have been published by the International Institute of Religious Freedom of the World Evangelical Alliance. Each report has its own specific topic like religious minorities, apostasy and blasphemy, conversion, women’s rights, or school education.

Since assuming his position as United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt has devoted each of his reports to a major topic, all of which are reprinted in this volume in full. He addresses important topics which are often bypassed due to their complexity or emotionality, addressing themes such as conversion or religious minorities.

He also discusses supposed conflicts between different human rights, such as FORB and non-discrimination. He is convinced that human rights should never be understood as opposed to each other since ultimately the many rights go hand in hand. The topics he addresses are relevant for the whole range of institutions of society in their relation to FORB, including the state, schools, employers, and organised religion.

Heiner Bielefeldt studied Catholic theology, philosophy and history and earned a doctorate in philosophy. After holding various positions at different universities, from 2003 to 2009 he served as Director of the German Institute for Human Rights, which monitors the human rights situation within Germany on behalf of the German government. Since 2009 he has been Professor of Human Rights and Human Rights Policy at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg in Bavaria. In 2010, he was additionally appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. He was reappointed in 2013 .

The book is available for free download.

As Pope Francis recently called for international action on religious freedom and condemned violence against Christians, a group of 21 parliamentarians from around the world have written to His Holiness encouraging him to assemble a gathering of religious leaders in support of freedom of religion or belief.

The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief was launched in Oslo, Norway, on November 8. It is made up of Parliamentarians drawn from different regions, religions, and political parties, who have pledged to advance religious freedom as defined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“We are very pleased by the Pope’s announcement, as our coalition of parliamentarians recently wrote him to apprise him of our work and suggest he convene a meeting of religious leaders to discuss freedom of religion or belief,” said Baroness Elizabeth Berrdige from the British House of Lords. “Our letter offers to join him in that important work. We would also urge Catholics around the world who want to take action could write to their MP asking for their government to take action on freedom of religion or belief.”

“The Pope was correct to call on people of good will to advance religious freedom, and he is uniquely positioned to convene religious leaders around the issue of religious freedom for all,” said Abid Q Raja, a member of the Norwegian parliament. “With efforts underway to increase governmental and parliamentary coordination on freedom of religion or belief, engaging religious leaders in this effort is also critical.”

The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief wrote to Pope Francis on November 8. Last week, Pope Francis condemned violence facing Christians in several countries and called on leaders at the national and international level to respond, noting that the persecuted “have a right to find security and peace in their own countries while freely professing their faith”.

The letter in full

Chris Evans MP (Islwyn) (Lab): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of persecution of Christians in (a) the Middle East and (b) North Africa.

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood MP (Bournemouth East) (Con): Conflict and instability in the Middle East and North Africa have made the plight of Christians and other religious minorities a significant concern. In many cases religious minorities are facing extremely difficult circumstances. Many communities are suffering, and indeed some countries risk seeing the disappearance of communities that have existed there peacefully for centuries.

We deplore all discrimination against religious minorities and constraints on their freedom to practise their faith. We regularly urge all governments in the Middle East and North Africa to ensure the protection of all religious minorities. We encourage them to develop inclusive political systems that represent all of their citizens.

We back our words with actions, working proactively in countries where we can to tackle these issues. For example, in Yemen the Middle East and North Africa Conflict Pool is delivering a grassroots community reconciliation initiative to ease tensions between different communities. In Syria a number of British Government funded projects have brought together religious leaders from all denominations (including Alawi, Christians, Kurds, Druze and Sunnis) to foster greater understanding between faiths and support reconciliation. In Tunisia, our Arab Partnership Initiative funds a project run by the Centre for the Study of Islam and Democracy which considers, amongst other things, the protection of religious minorities under the new constitution.

 

Fiona Bruce MP (Congleton) (Con): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to encourage the Iranian government to fulfil its obligations to uphold religious freedoms under Article 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood MP (Bournemouth East) (Con): We remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith, most recently during our representations to the United Nations Human Rights Council during the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights in Iran on 31 October.

 

Lord Alton of Liverpool (CB): To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the status of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advisory Group on freedom of religion or belief; and when the group is expected to next meet.

Foreign Office Minister Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Con): The Advisory Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, comprised of civil society experts on this topic, is a Sub-Group of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary’s Advisory Group on Human Rights. It operates under my Chairmanship and directly informs Foreign and Commonwealth Office policy and activities in this area; and reports to the main Advisory Group. The Sub-Group has met twice so far, on 24 March and 14 October 2014. It is next expected to meet in the Spring.

 

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the government of Egypt’s commitment to freedom of religion and the case for political reconciliation in Egypt were amongst the issues raised by the Prime Minister in his meeting with the Egyptian Foreign Minister on 27 October.

Foreign Office Minister Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Con): The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), raised international concerns about the human rights situation and political inclusiveness in Egypt with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shukri on 27 October.

The Egyptian constitution contains protection for freedom of religious belief and it is important that this is respected. The British Government will continue to raise concerns with the Egyptian authorities and to encourage them to promote and defend the freedom of religion.

We believe that a genuinely open political process, in which all political groups are able to participate, offers the best prospect of long-term political stability in Egypt. Shukri assured the Prime Minister that Parliamentary elections would take place in the coming months.

Fifty-four UK Parliamentarians have signed a letter calling on Pakistani politicians to consider the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five, who has been sentenced to death under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws.

Premier Christian Radio reports that In a joint letter, authored by Rehman Chishti MP, the Westminster MPs say they feel strongly that a miscarriage of justice has taken place, and that the case should be reviewed. The letter calls on the Prime Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Justice, Nasir-Ul-Mulk, to consider Ms Bibi’s case as a matter of urgency.

The letter, and list of signatories, can be read in full here.

An Early Day Motion on the same topic was submitted last week.

 

Members of Parliament from across the world have gathered in Oslo to create a new International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, and pledged to work together to see an end to belief-based persecution.

The group includes Parliamentarians of different beliefs from Brazil, Canada, Germany, Nepal, Norway, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Burma, Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Argentina, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka and Italy.

The panel’s first action was to sign a charter reaffirming their commitment to freedom of religion or belief as outlined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Watch the official signing of the charter, which took place on Saturday 8th November at the Nobel Peace Centre, Oslo

The event was addressed by eminent speakers including Heiner Bielefeldt, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief; Baroness Berridge, Chairman of the British All Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion or Belief; and Katrina Lantos-Swett, who chairs the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Commenting on the creation of the panel, Baroness Berridge said: “I believe that we will have maximum impact as legislators if we work together in a co-ordinated way — Parliamentarians from different countries, holding different religions and beliefs, and from different political parties. This will enable us to share knowledge and information, and challenge our governments about what they are doing to address the suffering of so many. I am extremely encouraged by the diversity of the group that met in Oslo and look forward to the group taking concrete action that will have real impact.”

Visit the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief website

Background
In the face of rising violations of freedom of religion or belief worldwide, the British All Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom and the United States Commission on Religious Freedom met in 2013 to discuss what co-ordinated action could take place between Parliamentarians who are concerned about Article 18 rights. The result of this was an initiative to build an international network of legislators committed to advocating against religious persecution and supporting religious freedom for all.

In June 2014 a small initial group gathered together in Oxford, consisting of MPs from a variety of countries and the European Parliament. An agreement was reached to begin to build a wider international coalition, and this plan became a reality in Oslo on 7th November.

Naomi Long MP (Belfast East) (Alliance): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to address the situation of religious minorities in India following the recent elections.

Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire MP (East Devon) (Con): Our High Commissioner to New Delhi, Sir James Bevan, met the new Indian Minister for Minorities, Mrs Najma Heptulla, on 16 June and discussed issues facing minority communities in India. Our High Commission in New Delhi also maintains a regular dialogue with officials in India’s national human rights institutions, including the Minorities Commission, and with the relevant State level authorities. We will continue to maintain a dialogue with the new Indian government about minority rights issues.

We also support religious and other minorities in India through the Department for International Development’s programme in India which helps to promote equal treatment and access to services for the most disadvantaged communities.

Naomi Long MP (Belfast East) (Alliance): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the draft religious conversion law proposed by the government of Burma.

Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire MP (East Devon) (Con): The Government has voiced our strong concerns over proposed legislation on religious conversion, both with members of the Burmese government and with Burmese parliamentarians. If enacted, this law would harm religious tolerance and respect for diversity in Burma, and contravene international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. During my visit in January, I delivered a speech in which I called for greater religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. We continue to make clear that respect for freedom of religion and belief must be guaranteed.

John Glen MP (Salisbury) (Con): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the Iranian government on the imprisonment of (a) Ebrahim Firouzi, (b) Shahin Lahooti, (c) Suroush Saraie and (d) Mohammad Roghangir.

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood MP (Bournemouth East) (Con): We remain deeply concerned by the detention of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and by the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and to end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith, most recently during our representations to the United Nations Human Rights Council during the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights in Iran on 31 October.

10 November

Gavin Shuker MP (Luton South) (Lab): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has raised the cases of Farshid Fathi and Alireza Seyyedian with his Iranian counterparts.

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood MP (Bournemouth East) (Con): We have not raised these cases specifically with the Iranian Government. However, we remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith.

The Independent reports that police have said a Christian couple were beaten to death in Pakistan by a mob for allegedly desecrating the Koran.

They were killed by a mob in the town of Kot Radha Kishan, in eastern Punjab province, and their bodies were burned at a brick kiln where they both worked.

The couple were named as Shahbaz Masih, 26, and his wife Shama Bibi, 24, by NBC News, who said up to 35 people are believed to have taken part in the attack.

A security official told the BBC local police attempted to save the pair, but were outnumbered by the angry mob. Shahbaz Sharif, the top elected official in the province, has ordered a probe into the incident.

A longer report from Pakistan states that the woman, already a mother of 4, was pregnant, and the man was still alive when thrown into the kiln. It also indicated that local mosques incited a crowd of 3 – 4,000 to attack the brick kiln in search of the couple.

Today Morning Star News reported that 53 suspects had been named, along with hundreds of “unidentified people.” 44 had been arrested,

It also reported that Prime Minister Sharif had said the murderers will be brought to justice. “The brutal murder of the Christian couple in Kot Radha Krishan is an unacceptable crime,” the premier stated. “A responsible state cannot tolerate mob rule and public lynching with impunity.”

Sharif directed Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to show no mercy and allow the law to take its course to punish those responsible. “The Pakistani state has to act proactively to protect its minorities from violence and injustice,” the prime minister said. “We must promote religious and ethnic diversity in our society as a virtue.”

A new report entitled ‘Religious Freedom in the World report 2014’ was launched in Britain today in the House of Lords, and included a video message from the Prince of Wales.

The document, which looks at 196 countries around the world and is an assessment of the state of religious freedom for all people of faith, was released on Monday in Paris by the French arm of the Catholic Charity Aid to the Church in Need.

The report identifies 81 countries (41%) as places where religious freedom is impaired or is in decline. It indicates that while some degree of religious persecution can be found in every continent and major region of the world, the highest levels of religious persecution are found throughout many nations in North Africa, the Middle East, and much of Asia.

While six countries showed an improvement, four of these are still classified as having High or Medium levels of persecution. 55 countries showed deteriorating conditions, with religious freedom either in decline or significantly in decline.

Almost every identifiable faith group experiences some degree of persecution somewhere in the world. However,Christians remain the most persecuted faith in the world. Muslims also face serious persecution, often from other Muslims who do not share their exact same beliefs. Jews in Western Europe are feeling increasingly under threat; prompting many to emigrate to Israel in recent years.

Of the 20 countries that showed high levels of persecution, in 14 countries the persecution was linked to extremist Islam and in the remaining 6 countries the persecution was due to authoritarian regimes.

Read the full report

APPG Chair on International Religious Freedom or Belief Baroness Berridge asked Her Majesty’s Government what projects they fund within the educational services in Pakistan that promote religious tolerance.

Lords Spokesperson on International Development Baroness Northover (LD): DFID’s provincial education programmes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces support the implementation of Pakistan’s 2006 reformed curriculum which includes teaching on religious tolerance and respect for diversity. In 2014 DFID support will benefit some 6.3 million children in school in Pakistan.

APPG vice-chair on International Religious Freedom or Belief Lord Alton of Liverpool (CB) asked Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the authorities in Pakistan arising from the decision of the Lahore High Court to reject the appeal of Asia Bibi, and to order her execution, following charges of alleged blasphemy.

Foreign Office Minister Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Con): I am concerned to hear that a Pakistan court has upheld the imposition of the death penalty in the case of Asia Bibi. We support the EU’s recent statement of concern and hope that the verdict will be overturned on appeal. We regularly raise at the highest levels the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan both against Muslims and against religious minorities. We have consistently pressed the Government of Pakistan on the issue of the death penalty and expressed our principled opposition in all cases. We will continue to raise these issues.

Ahead of the United Nations Human Rights Council in January 2015 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Kyrgyzstan, Forum 18 reports that the country has not fully implemented its commitments to implement freedom of religion or belief for all. Despite official promises, the state continues to limit this fundamental freedom and other human rights in both law and practice.

They also note ongoing violations of freedom of religion or belief and related human rights. These include: a ban on exercising freedom of religion or belief with others without state permission; obstacles such as unreasonably high numbers of required founders and some apparent reprisals against communities including Jehovah’s Witnesses and Bahai’s wishing to gain state registration; increasing state control of the Muslim community; raids on some religious communities; the banning of the Ahmadi Muslim community; restrictions on conscientious objection to military service; harassment and mob violence against non-Muslims with the authorities’ complicity, including preventing the dead being buried; state censorship related to freedom of religion or belief; arbitrary expulsions of foreigners; and threats to property.

Officials seem unwilling to implement domestic and international legal obligations, with government proposals for Religion Law and Administrative Code changes contradicting a UN Human Rights Council recommendation to “remove all restrictions incompatible with article 18 of the Covenant [of Civil and Political Rights]”.

Read the full article