What is “Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience” (CAP Freedom of Conscience)?
CAP Freedom of Conscience is a secular European NGO with United Nations Consultative Status, created in 1995 and dedicated to protect the Right of Freedom of Religion and Belief.
CAP Freedom of Conscience combats all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief by alerting European and International bodies.
CAP Freedom of Conscience collects testimonies of discrimination and human rights violations affecting religious or belief communities in order to disseminate them to international bodies, and in order to raise awareness and inform them as well as to generate debate on the protection of Freedom of Religion and Belief.
CAP Freedom of Conscience also advocates for any religious or spiritual group facing discrimination to have their right to Freedom of Religion and Belief recognized.
CAP Freedom of Conscience is a member of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB), European Network Of Religion and Belief (ENORB) and participate to the Civil Society Platform of Fundamental Rights created by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency DAFOH Partners in Combating and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting
HRC 56 : Erosion of Muslim Rights and Freedoms in India Highlighted at UN
Internet Shutdown – India holds the dubious distinction of leading the world in internet shutdowns for the 6th consecutive year . In August 2019, the Indian government completely blocked all communication networks in the Indian Administered Jammu and Kashmir, including landlines, fixed line internet and mobile networks. The authorities sought to prevent Kashmiris from organizing protests after the government revoked the state’s constitutional autonomous status, splitting it into two separate federally governed territories. Denying access to the internet has become a default policing tactic by Indian authorities, including to shut down protests or criticism of the government. The sufferers are then the common citizens, to many of whom “no internet means no work, no pay, no food”.
EU Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
The European Union has enforced sanctions, on individuals and groups connected to acts of gender based violence. This action was taken by the Council of the European Union as part of efforts to address violations of rights. The decision involves the identification of four individuals and two entities under the EUs Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. These measures were put in place due to their roles in perpetrating gender based violence.
48th session Working Group Universal Periodic Review : Persecution of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Egypt
Since their implantation in Egypt in 2012, members of a new religious movement in Islam, self-named “The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light,” have been the victims of state repression, social hostility, death threats by extremist imams for being considered heretics.
Media Freedom: The Key to Democracy and Security
A recent study commissioned by the OSCE Representative, on Freedom of the Media has revealed the connections between media freedom, democracy and global and local security. The detailed research document, crafted by a team from the Varieties of Democracy Institute at the University of Gothenburg presents evidence on why safeguarding media freedom is vital for upholding peace and stability within and among nations.
CFU Co-organised UN Side Event Highlighting the Uyghur Plight
Geneva, Switzerland – On July 5, a side event, “Combating Islamophobia in Asia: From Awareness to Action,” was held at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) 56th Session to address the threats of Islamophobia in Asia, with a focus on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) persecution of Uyghur Muslims. The event was co-organized by CAP Liberté de Conscience, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU), and the Center for Uyghur Studies. This event coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Urumchi Massacre, further highlighting the regime’s ongoing atrocities in the Uyghur region due to their ethnic and religious identity.
Climate Change, Conflict, and Religious Freedom: An Urgent Call for Integrated Action
In todays interconnected world the connections, between climate change, conflict and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) are becoming more evident and urgent. A recent policy brief from Search for Common Ground underscores the importance for decision makers and practitioners to acknowledge and tackle these intersections in order to promote solutions and community resilience.
CAP Freedom of Conscience involvement in Europe
Social Impact of Faith-Based Organizations in Europe
FBO’s play a significant role in addressing societal challenges, promoting social cohesion, and advocating for the values of faith and freedom in the European Union (EU). This conference aims to provide a platform for MEPs and Civil Society to discuss the challenges, opportunities and impact of FBOs and their contributions to a more inclusive and sustainable society inside Europe.
Assessing China’s Governance and Human Rights Landscape/ Invite
BRUSSELS CONFERENCE
Assessing China’s Governance and Human Rights Landscape
Our heritage is not preceded by a testament
Hannah Arendt quotes an aphorism by René Char (published in Feuillets d’Hypnos in 1946). “During the Resistance, a generation of European writers and men of letters created, in the political vacuum created by the collapse of the old system, a distinct public sphere, a bare space in which freedom could appear. But this opportunity did not last long. This treasure, which had appeared unexpectedly under mysterious circumstances, was soon lost. That generation was unable to give it a name. The history of revolutions was repeating itself.
Conference 13 Decembre – Façonner un monde de libertés : 75 ans d’héritage et d’impact de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme
Dans le cadre de la commémoration du 75e anniversaire de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme, un groupement d’Associations et d’ONG collaborant avec les Nations Unies organise une conférence en ligne les 11 et 12 décembre 2023 (en anglais) et le 13 décembre 2023 (en français). Cette conférence qui a pour thème « Façonner un monde de libertés : 75 ans d’héritage et d’impact de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme ! Comment les Droits de l’Homme façonneront-ils l’avenir ? », vise à explorer l’influence durable et la pertinence de cette Déclaration.
Information meeting on the UPR process in Azerbaijan
UPHOLDING UNIVERSAL COMMITMENTS:
Addressing the damaging impact of landmines on the enjoyment of human rights
Side event within the 44 session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Room XXII, E building, Palais des Nations, Geneva 13 November 2023 / 14.30-16.00
California for Tai Ji Men: Conscience, Justice and Freedom of Belief
California, the Golden State, is known for its stunning landscapes, thriving entertainment industry, and diverse culture. Beneath the surface of this multifaceted state lies another remarkable aspect of its diversity: religious pluralism. From the Spanish missions of the 18th century to the bustling metropolises of the 21st century, California’s religious landscape has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of faiths and beliefs.