The report includes Germany’s responses to various human rights challenges, including efforts to combat racism, antisemitism, and discrimination, as well as measures to protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, migrants, and other vulnerable groups.
The written statement submitted to the Human Rights Council by Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience highlights the issue of discrimination against religious and spiritual groups through the misuse of tax laws in several countries. It points out that tax exemptions, which should be universally available to such groups, are instead used as tools of discrimination, particularly against movements deemed unpopular or labeled as “cults.” The statement references specific instances in France and Japan where religious groups faced such discrimination.
“The children have told their father that they no longer wish to eat pork, presumably having adopted the Jewish religion, Jewish religion with their mother, and that they perform ablutions and recite prayers in Arabic, in Arabic during visits to their mother’s home.”
At a time when the fabric of global society is increasingly strained by divisions, the report on hatred based on religion or belief by Nazila Ghanea, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, emerges as a beacon of insight and guidance. This comprehensive document, to be presented at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, not only examines the diverse manifestations of religious hatred, but also proposes a way forward for nations and societies grappling with this pervasive problem.
At every session of the Human Rights Council since 2016, CAP LC has intervened through written and oral statements on the issue of religious freedom in China. We have denounced the persecution, arbitrary detention, and torture of members of religious minorities, the forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong members, and the treatment of Uyghurs in forced labor camps in Xijiang.
BRUSSELS CONFERENCE
Assessing China’s Governance and Human Rights Landscape
Worries are mounting over the preservation of the historic churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia. These structures, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, stand as icons of the country’s architecture and spirituality. However, recent reports suggest they could be at risk due to unregulated development activities.
Discrimination against Young Cleaners, Caretakers, Educators, Marketers, Engineers, Architects, Printers and Others Who Are Believers of Scientology, in Bavaria, Germany
