Sometimes there are local solutions to human rights violations: courts, state prosecutors, police or law enforcement agencies. But in many of the countries CSW works on, the rule of law is often broken, skewered or non-existent.

Thankfully, our pursuit of justice extends further. We are able to raise cases in multilateral arenas like the United Nations or European Union. We can call on powerful decision-makers in the international community to exercise the pressure required for change and hold perpetrators to account. And at the UN, our accreditation means we have the ear of the people best placed to make a difference for those facing injustice for their beliefs.

While these arenas are not perfect, they do a lot of good and we should not let the challenges overshadow what they can achieve when they work well. Pray with us for CSW’s work at the United Nations, European Union, US Congress and other international arenas.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/our_work_region_internationalarenas

Sunday 2 July

As we are commanded in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, pray for the diplomatic and political leaders who represent their nations in international arenas: for the wisdom, integrity and the resources they need to work effectively for human rights.

Monday 3 July

The UN Human Rights Council meets three times a year, and we are in the middle of the current session. Pray 2 Corinthians 9:8 over CSW’s UN Officer, as well as other staff members who will be advocating on behalf of countries and issues of concern.

Tuesday 4 July

Pray for EU diplomats and other officials working on EU foreign policy – both in Brussels and in embassies around the world – for their safety, wisdom and integrity.

Wednesday 5 July

On this day last year, the UK Government began hosting the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief. Pray that the impact of our activities there would continue to reverberate, and that we would see more national governments actively working together on freedom of religion or belief.

Thursday 6 July

We met politicians from around the world at the Ministerial. Pray that they would remember the powerful testimonies they heard at our side events and be moved to action. We know that change does not happen overnight, so it is important that we continue praying in the years following events like this.

Friday 7 July

In Daniel 1:9 we read that God had given the king’s chief official both ‘favour and compassion’ for Daniel. Pray for CSW advocates working in international arenas, that our cause would find favour and respect in the eyes of authorities.

Saturday 8 July

Lord, thank you for everyone working to promote and protect the right to freedom of religion or belief in international arenas. Give them courage and strength and bless the work of their hands as they strive to bring about justice. Amen.

Download a printable copy of this week’s Prayer Diary.