Mini-briefing: Chile

Since democracy was restored to Chile in 1990, human rights including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) have been generally respected. The 2012 census found that 66% of the population identified as Catholic and 17% as Protestant. The constitution contains protection for FoRB, and a 1999 law prohibits discrimination based on religion. In recent years the government has actively engaged with religious minorities and worked to improve understanding of and strengthen protections for FoRB.
Mini-briefing: Chile
Browse:
Mini-briefing: Chile

Since democracy was restored to Chile in 1990, human rights including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) have been generally respected. The 2012 census found that 66% of the population identified as Catholic and 17% as Protestant. The constitution contains protection for FoRB, and a 1999 law prohibits discrimination based on religion. In recent years the government has actively engaged with religious minorities and worked to improve understanding of and strengthen protections for FoRB.

This year, however, has seen a series of unsolved, organised arson attacks on churches, both Protestant and Catholic, in one region of the country. This should not be seen as indicative of a more general, country-wide deterioration in FoRB; however, there is no question that the arson attacks have provoked alarm and are very much a threat to FoRB in the region.

Download full report

Published Online
11 August 2016
Region/Country

Share it!

Related Reports

The ruling Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) continues to violate every provision articulated in the country's ratified but unimplemented constitution.
Nigerias federal constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief to all citizens, including the right to change religion or belief.
A statement on the situation of human rights in the Republic of Sudan, with an emphasis on the right to freedom of religion or