Advocacy in action this summer

We believe everyone deserves to have their story heard. And we believe our research enables policymakers to make a difference. These two points from our manifesto were seen throughout eight events we hosted in and around Parliament this summer, speaking on 12 countries of concern. Some were attended by journalists and MPs, while others were open to CSW supporters like you, but each event was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the most pressing freedom of religion or belief issues around the world. Our hope is that this increased awareness will lead to decisive, effective action for those who are experiencing injustice because of their beliefs.

Here is a sample of some of the events organised by CSW:

Winds of Change: Faith in a time of political upheaval

We explored how faith groups and leaders are often at the forefront of human rights movements. We focused on Myanmar/Burma and Sudan – which both experienced military coups in 2021 – as well as Cuba, which saw unprecedented nationwide protests that same year. A highlight was hearing directly from Kyaw Win, the Founder and Director of Burma Human Rights Network. He said, ‘Christians shouldn’t just speak up for Christians and Muslims for Muslims; we need to stand together.’

China: Tools for oppression – The structure of violations to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief

David Linden MP chaired this discussion on China, which looked at the impact of new, increasingly oppressive regulations targeting the sharing of religious content online. After panellists had shared their personal experiences – including their fears for family members still in the country – they were able to present their recommendations directly to Lord Bethell.

‘Evidence of [Chinese Communist Party] efforts to “Sinicize” religion made me sick to the stomach. So important that we stand for religious freedom.’

– Lord Bethell via Twitter, expressing thanks for the ‘Tools for oppression’ event

Cuba: One year on from 11 July protests

What, if anything, has changed since the nationwide peaceful protests in Cuba on 11 July 2021? This was the question at the heart of these conversations, in partnership with Outreach Aid to the Americas. A poignant moment was hearing the testimony of Father Alberto Reyes read aloud on his behalf, as sadly, he was unable to travel to London in person: ‘We deeply believe that the night is not eternal, and that a different Cuba is possible. Today there are many of us who push the wall day by day, dreaming, longing, hoping that one day the wall, apparently immovable, will fall, and Cuba will stop being a prison with bars of water.’

Discussing continued religious persecution in Eritrea

This event set freedom of religion or belief within the broader picture of human rights abuses in Eritrea, as well as the wider context of the Horn of Africa. Eritrean gospel singer Helen Berhane recounted her own experience of brutal persecution, and how in the mid 2000s she survived 32 months of confinement in metal shipping containers.

Helen was also able to share her story on a Ministerial panel chaired by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Burrowes, at Holy Trinity Church in Stroud, and at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB). While at HTB she thanked CSW for supporting her, and encouraged the congregation to remember those who are still imprisoned as if they were in prison alongside them (Hebrews 13:3). She said: ‘They are part of us, so if one body suffer, the whole body suffer… I am the voice for those voiceless.’

Watch recordings of the fringe events at csw.org.uk/MinisterialEvents