The Permanent Mission of Hungary, the Permanent Mission of Poland and ADF International are co-hosting a side event on the margins of the 52nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, titled “Hard to Believe: Trends in Restrictions on Religious Conversion”.
The event will take place on Wednesday, 8 March 2023 from 13:15 to 14:15 at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland, located at L’Ancienne-Route 15, Grand-Saconnex.
Leaving one religion or belief to adopt another, or electing to identify with none, is a deeply personal and life-changing choice that should be respected by everyone. Both the freedom to convert and the right not to be forced to convert (or reconvert) are integral to the human right to freedom of religion or belief and enjoy absolute protection under international human rights law. Yet, in some parts of the world, people continue to be discriminated against, persecuted, or even killed for converting or refusing to convert away from a religion.
At the event, representatives from States, the UN system and civil society, as well as religious leaders will address the key trends in restrictions on religious conversion, and drive further reflection on what role the UN and the international community can play in advocating for and supporting victims, survivors, and persons at risk of violations of freedom of religion or belief in the area of conversion.
The event concept note, along with the full list of co-sponsors, is available at this link.
Please confirm your attendance via email at broska@adfinternational.org by no later than Tuesday, 7 March 2023. Refreshments will be provided before the start of the event.
We look forward to your participation!
