Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM) III on Freedom of Religion or Belief: The Role of Digital Technologies and Civil Society Actors in Advancing This Human Right for All
When
Where
Organized by
Commitments to implement the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief are among the original tenets of the OSCE and an integral aspect of its concept of comprehensive security.
Despite progress with some important aspects of freedom of religion or belief, undue interferences with the exercise of this human right persist in the OSCE region, with differing impacts on men and women.
The third Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM) will explore the current state of freedom of religion or belief in the OSCE region, the opportunities that exist to advance it for the benefit of all and the challenges that impede the realization of this aim, including the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, it will:
- examine the implications of recent trends for national legal frameworks and policies relating to freedom of religion or belief
- explore the challenges and opportunities pertaining to the rapid digitization and its impact on the enjoyment of this right
- consider the role of civil society actors in building and sustaining a culture of freedom of religion or belief for all in the OSCE region
Participants
Representatives of OSCE participating States, OSCE institutions and OSCE executive structures, representatives of inter-governmental organizations, representatives of civil society and researchers from 57 participating States that have relevant experience in the topic are encouraged to participate in the SHDM. The Partners for Co-operation are invited to attend and contribute with respect to their co-operation and links with the OSCE in the field.
Registration
Online self-registration at http://meetings.odihr.pl is open until Friday, 30 October at 12:00 noon CET.
Live streaming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e9KG-uUCEY&feature=youtu.be
Live streaming of the event was be provided on this webpage for those interested to take part, but whose participation could not be confirmed due to limitations related to the technical capacity of the online venue.
Modalities
The modalities of the meeting are set out in accordance with the decision of the Permanent Council (PC.DEC/476, 23 May 2002).
The meeting will start with the opening session, followed by three working sessions and the closing session.
Interpretation will be provided into the six official OSCE languages: English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish.
Given the restrictions related to Covid-19, this meeting will exceptionally take place online.
The organizers are endeavoring to ensure the same level of access for civil society to actively participate as in previous years. Should the interest exceed the technical capacity of the online platform, the organizers may consider measures to ensure as broad civil society participation as possible within the capacity.
Side events
Participants can organize side events over the course of the meeting. Side events provide an opportunity to discuss issues that have not been fully covered during the working sessions, as the time assigned to each topic is limited.
Online booking of side events, available only to registered participants, will open at http://meetings.odihr.pl on Wednesday, 28 October (12.00 noon CET) and will close on Friday, 30 October (12.00 noon CET).
The registration system is based on the “first come, first served” principle. All bookings must be submitted during this period, and no bookings will be accepted after the deadline.
Please consult this webpage regularly, as further information will be added closer to the event.
Contacts
Overall co-ordination of the meeting: Mr. Martin Toplišek at martin.toplisek@odihr.pl.
Registration of participants: Ms. Anna Sierant at anna.sierant@odihr.pl.
Co-ordination of side events: Ms. Justyna Pazura at justyna.pazura@odihr.pl.