ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) established its Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief to provide independent advice and guidance on issues related to the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief across the OSCE region.
The panel consists of recognized experts appointed by ODIHR for a three-year term. Members serve in their personal capacities and do not represent their states, academic institutions, religious or belief communities, or any other organizations.
ODIHR draws on the panel’s expertise to assist participating States, OSCE field operations, and civil society organizations in promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief. This includes reviewing legislation and policies, advising on good practices, and supporting dialogue and cooperation among different actors.
The current panel, serving from 2025 to 2028, was appointed following an open and competitive selection process:
- Elizabeth Cassidy
- Eka Chitanava
- Aleksandra Djurić Milovanović
- Nigel Fancourt
- Anastasia Hartman
- Dilshod Jurayev
- Jagbir Jhutti-Johal
- John Kinahan
- Alexandr Klyushev
- Genti Kruja
- Nancy Lefèvre
- Eugenia Relaño Pastor
- Ahmed Shaheed
- Fernand de Varennes
- Natallia Vasilevich
- Tamara Vukicevic
- Robert Blitt
Panel members' bios.
The composition of the panel displays the diversity of the OSCE region. Half of the seats on the 16-member panel have been allocated to women, and, for the first time, two seats are occupied by experts under the age of 30. This diversity also helps ODIHR to monitor regional trends in order to better assist OSCE participating States in the implementation of their commitments regarding this human right.