In the Response article ‘Four years at the UN’, we celebrated how we’ve been able to use the platform of the United Nations since receiving our accreditation in 2017. We’re still so thankful for this Consultative Status, which enables us to participate at the UN as an expert voice for freedom of religion or belief – including at the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 25 March 2022).

As long as COVID-19 restrictions allow, our UN Officer Claire Denman, will be representing CSW in Geneva. She would be so encouraged to know you are praying for her, and has asked you to pray over three specific areas below. You can also tag her in an encouraging message on Twitter: @_ClaireDenman

‘Please pray for our team at the next session of the Human Rights Council, where there will be a special focus on freedom of religion or belief.’

Father God, we thank you for the opportunity to speak up for freedom at the Human Rights Council. Please grant wisdom and boldness to all who will be presenting evidence, especially Claire, our team of advocates and the Special Rapporteurs. We particularly lift up the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, who will be appointed at this session. Amen.

‘My hope is for a better understanding of the right to freedom of religion or belief at the UN and among Member States.’

Lord, we know that if the right to freedom of religion or belief is being violated, other human rights are often being violated as well. We pray that those with the power to make a difference will see the value of this fundamental freedom. Lord, help them to prioritise, protect and uphold it at the UN. Amen.

‘The wheels of change often move slowly, especially within institutions like the UN. My desire is that we see momentum on the situation of human rights in China, for example, and concrete actions taken by the UN.’

Almighty God, we thank you for the many UN experts who have spoken out against the human rights abuses taking place in China. We pray for investigations and practical actions to be taken to stop the abuses and hold perpetrators to account, once and for all. May words turn into concrete action, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/un

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