Key trends impacting freedom of religion or belief
When
Where
Organized by
This webinar will bring together experts from international institutions, academia and civil society to discuss emerging trends and events that have been affecting the conditions in which people across the OSCE area exercise their freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). No human right is exercised in a vacuum, and the OSCE area has seen many recent developments ranging from the expansion of new technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic, to political, social, economic and legislative changes. As 2021 draws to a close, panellists will engage in some stock-taking and offer fresh insights from their respective areas of work.
Why is it important?
By discussing key trends that impact the exercise of the human right to freedom of religion or belief, this event aims to raise awareness and to equip policymakers and civil society stakeholders with expert insights that they can take on board to inform their work in this area.
Panellists will include:
Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Ms. Liv Hernæs Kvanvig, Director of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) / Head of Freedom of Religion or Belief Section of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee
Dr. Cătălin Raiu, President of FORB Romania and member of the OSCE/ODIHR panel of experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Ms. Samirah Majumdar, Research Associate at the Pew Research Center
Registration
To join the event, please register here.
Background
ODIHR is mandated to support OSCE participating States and civil society organizations in their efforts to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief.
Among others, OSCE commitments in this area look to:
- ensure that everyone can enjoy this right indiscriminately;
- ensure that enjoyment of this right is facilitated across the OSCE;
- strengthen legislation;
- foster a climate of mutual tolerance and respect;
- counter violations of this right.