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.
We urgently draw your attention to the ongoing genocide against the Amhara people in Ethiopia, a crisis ignored by this council and its member states. Amhara women face catastrophic realities, including trafficking, gang rape, torture, and witnessing the brutal killings of their loved ones.
A report[i] by CAP LC (Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience) has brought to light Frances concerning stance towards these practices. The report, titled “Spirituality, Yoga and France; Finding a Balance ” outlines how the government has attempted to marginalize and stifle the practice of yoga and other movements inspired by Hinduism.
In a comprehensive report released today, the Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), a non-governmental organization with ECOSOC consultative status at the United Nations, has detailed its unwavering efforts to promote and defend the universal principles of freedom of conscience, religion, and belief throughout the past year.
In recent years, the rise of Islamophobia in Asia has emerged as a critical challenge to religious freedom and human rights across the region. This side event aims to transform dialogue into dedicated action, highlighting effective strategies and fostering international cooperation to address and mitigate Islamophobia.
“Au cours des dix dernières années, j’ai séjourné à plusieurs reprises à Vitry-sur-Seine dans un lieu qui était utilisé pour des retraites spirituelles par des pratiquants de yoga. A chaque fois, c’était confortable, l’environnement était très agréable et calme mais le 28 novembre 2023, cela s’est transformé en un cauchemar et une expérience traumatisante.”
A significant moment, in history occurred as the United States House of Representatives approved the “Falun Gong Protection Act” (H.R.4132) signaling a step towards safeguarding rights and religious freedom. This legislation, championed by Representatives Scott Perry and Thomas Suozzi stands as a beacon of hope for Falun Gong followers who have endured human rights violations in China since 1999. The bill aims to address and combat the persecution faced by this group emphasizing values of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. Through measures outlined in the act efforts are made to hold perpetrators of violence, repression and torture against Falun Gong practitioners accountable. Among its provisions are sanctions imposed by the President targeting individuals and entities complicit in human rights abuses, against Falun Gong adherents through visa bans and asset freezes.
In a step towards addressing minority concerns the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues has called upon civil society organizations worldwide. The appeal is for contributions to a report focusing on the role of NGOs in advocating for and safeguarding minority rights set to be presented at the UN General Assembly in 2024.
