International Religious Freedom Advocacy: A Guide to Organizations, Law, and NGOs

Excerpt:

“Around the world, persons of faith continue to face serious obstacles to the full and free enjoyment of religious freedom, whether from Christian, Muslim, or other religious communities. Religious freedom is perhaps the most personal of human rights, as it goes to the very core of the human being. Yet limitations, abuse, and persecution are a daily occurrence, with some estimating that more than half of the world’s population cannot fully enjoy this cherished fundamental freedom.

“At the same time, religious freedom protections are well established at the international level. International law recognizes religious freedom as a universal human right. Treaties and international agreements guarantee and reinforce the right of individual and communal religious freedom. placing limitations on individual belief is never permitted, and communities of believers must be allowed to congregate for worship and study. Because of these wide protections, religious freedom is considered a part of “customary international law,” and thereby every country in the world must protect this human right, even if they have not signed any treaties or joined international organizations. Of course, despite states pledging to uphold and defend these norms, implementation is inconsistent, even among European countries,. Considering the ongoing abuses and robust international protections, many advocates want to take action on behalf of those suffering elsewhere, but they may not know how. This guidebook is written for them.”

For more information, read International Religious Freedom Advocacy: A Guide to Organizations, Law, and NGOs.