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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
