CSWs Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas gave an address on the importance of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for a stable world at a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) reception today, to mark Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on 10 December to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly.

In his address, Mr Thomas emphasised that freedom of religion or belief, as outlined in Article 18 of the UDHR, is of great importance to people of different faiths and also to those who hold no religion or belief at all.

“It is a multi-dimensional right including not only the right to choose and change religion or belief, but also the right to express or manifest beliefs alone or in community with others, in public or in private.  It is closely connected with other fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, as all human rights are indivisible, interdependent and mutually reinforcing,” he said.

However, he added that “this fundamental right remains neglected, and it is often not afforded the same status and recognition as other human rights within the international human rights mechanisms."

CSW reports on a wide variety of FoRB violations in 26 countries worldwide, including judicial harassment, forced conversions, the threat or use of violence, torture, imprisonment and killings. According to The Pew Research Centre, an estimated 77% of the world’s population lives in countries with high or very high overall levels of restrictions of freedom of religion.

Mr Thomas drew attention to specific situations around the world, including the rise in targeted violence against religious minorities and individuals advocating for religious freedom in India, and the fact that “many conflicts have their roots in or are exacerbated by religious differences and the misuse of religion” in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Nigeria.

Ahead of Human Rights Day, Mr Thomas stressed the importance of FoRB for peace and stability, explaining that “where FoRB is denied, other human rights violations are also likely to occur against individuals and communities.”

He praised the UK government’s participation in international platforms to promote FoRB: “In a world where violations of freedom of religion or belief undermine international peace and stability, these kind of joint initiatives - bringing together not only decision makers but also civil society, religious organisations and other stakeholders - remain important.”

Mr Thomas also welcomed the focus on FoRB as one of five key pledges in support of the UK’s bid for re-election to the UN Human Rights Council.

“I would encourage the Government…to ensure this human right is high on the international agenda, including at the UN Human Rights Council, as well as encouraging a holistic, cross-departmental approach, for example, during trade negotiations with countries whose human rights records are problematic.”