Chinese Government Tightens Grip on Citizen Travel Abroad

Chinese Government Tightens Grip on Citizen Travel Abroad

On February 24, 2023, the French newspaper Le Monde published an article detailing the new restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on its citizens’ travel abroad. According to the report, an increasing number of Chinese, including ordinary civil servants and teachers, can no longer hold their own passports, which must be handed over to their work units. They then have to apply to their superiors if they wish to travel outside China’s borders.

The 142th Session of the Human Rights Committee Expresses Concerns over Violations of Freedom of Religion in Pakistan

The 142th Session of the Human Rights Committee Expresses Concerns over Violations of Freedom of Religion in Pakistan

The 142nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, held on October 17-18, 2024 at the Palais Wilson in Geneva, provided an opportunity for an in-depth dialogue between the Committee experts and the official delegation of Pakistan. At the heart of the discussions was the question of freedom of religion and discrimination against religious minorities, particularly the Ahmadiyya community, which raised serious concerns among the Committee members.

Freedom of Religion or Belief: A Key Component for Global Peace, UN Report Finds

Freedom of Religion or Belief: A Key Component for Global Peace, UN Report Finds

In her report to the UN General Assembly, Nazila Ghanea as the Special Rapporteur focusing on freedom of religion or belief has emphasized the link between religious liberty and lasting peace in society. This document’s release coincides with a period of tensions and escalated conflicts worldwide. Statistics indicate a 40 percent surge in conflicts compared to the previous year impacting one out of every six individuals globally.

Malaysia Faces Ongoing Challenges in Upholding Freedom of Religion and Addressing Religious Discrimination

Malaysia Faces Ongoing Challenges in Upholding Freedom of Religion and Addressing Religious Discrimination

According to submissions[i] to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, Malaysia continues to face significant issues in this domain. The European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) stated that apostasy and proselytization are prohibited in an overwhelming majority of states in Malaysia, and that blasphemy is criminalized at the national level. ADF International recommended that Malaysia amend its National Registration Act to remove all references to religion on national identity cards, while the Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia (JKOASM) called on the country to immediately stop its policy of assimilating the Orang Asli indigenous group into Islam and the Malay section of society.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) community in Malaysia facing escalating persecution and discrimination

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) community in Malaysia facing escalating persecution and discrimination

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) expresses deep outrage over the recent sentencing and arrests of its followers in Malaysia, underscoring the escalating persecution faced by the community. On October 22, 2024, the Sharia High Court in Negeri Sembilan handed down a six-month prison sentence and a fine of RM4,500 to Zolekafeli Bin Abd Ghani, a 60-year-old retired firefighter, for allegedly teaching “false doctrines.” Zolekafeli was charged for proclaiming his belief in Aba Al-Sadiq, the leader of the faith, and for stating that the Quran had been corrupted. Despite pleas for leniency due to his age, health, and family obligations, the court imposed consecutive sentences, citing the risk of “apostasy and disbelief.”

Ahmadis in Pakistan Face Existential Threat as Extremist Clerics Vow to Destroy Mosques and Graveyards

Ahmadis in Pakistan Face Existential Threat as Extremist Clerics Vow to Destroy Mosques and Graveyards

The International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) has recently highlighted a concerning situation where religious extremists, within Pakistan have made a threat against the Ahmidi Muslim community members. The Tehreek e Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) known for their views and practices has delivered a strong message to the Chiniot district authorities urging them to eliminate what they perceive as “non Islamic practices”, from Ahmadi religious sites by October 28th  or else they suggest they will intervene themselves.

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