Freedom of religion or belief is closely linked to many other human rights, as well as being important for peace, development and democracy. Here, you'll find a selection of articles and reports on FORB and cross-cutting issues like freedom of expression, women's rights, peace and sustainable development.
Don't forget to look at the digests of thematic reports from the UN special rapporteurs for FoRB - which cover a wide range of topics: digest for 1986-2011, compilation 2010-2016.
Don't forget to look at the digests of thematic reports from the UN special rapporteurs for FoRB - which cover a wide range of topics: digest for 1986-2011, compilation 2010-2016.
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Hate Speech Explained
In this toolkit, ARTICLE 19 provides a guide to identifying ’hate speech‘ and how effectively counter it, while protecting the rights to freedom of expression and equality. It responds to a growing demand for clear guidance on identifying “hate speech,” and for responding to the challenges ‘hate speech’ poses within a human rights framework. Respecting Rights? Measuring the world's blasphemy laws This report examines and compares the content of laws blasphemy laws worldwide through the lens of human rights. The laws examined prohibit or criminalize the expression of opinions deemed “blasphemous,” often with serious, criminal penalties. Published by United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Implementing UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18 - A framework for inclusivity, pluralism and diversity Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution 16/18 addresses “combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatisation of, and discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief.” It commits States to address religious intolerance through the promotion of freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and non-discrimination. This briefing, published by ARTICLE 19 provides guidance for states on implementing Res 16/18, particularly in relation to blasphemy and censorship. |
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Apostacy means leaving a religion or belief.
Which countries outlaw apostasy and blasphemy A short article with maps identifying the countries concerned from the Pew Research Center. Laws Criminalizing Apostasy in Selected Jurisdictions, Law Library of Congress Provides a detailed and comparative description of apostacy laws in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. |
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Promoting religious freedom: a corporate social responsibility
A report from the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation highlighting how making religious freedom a part of corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) can produce direct, positive benefits to company operations, improve economic markets, and lead to lasting changes in communities where the human right of religious freedom traditionally lacks roots. You can find further resources on the topic on the research pages of the organisations website. |
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Women and freedom of religion or belief: Synergies and opportunities
There is a common misperception that women’s rights to equality and FORB are clashing rights, not least because States often place religiously phrased reservations on ratification of international treaties in relation to women's rights. This report from the US Commission on International religious Freedom explores the relationship between women's rights and FORB - identifying synergies and opportunities. |
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Religious freedom and peacebuilding: May I introduce you two?
This article by researcher Daniel Philpott analyses and highlights key differences between religious actors that contribute to conflict and that contribute to peacebuilding. A measure of distance between the religious group and the state and a political theology of freedom of religion or belief for all characterise the peacemakers. |
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FORB and sustainable development
An exploration of how FORB links to the 17 sustainable development goals from the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation. Faith, freedom and change A report from the Swedish Mission Council that highlights the contribution of FORB to achieving other human rights, peace, stability, democracy and social and economic development. |
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Conscientious objection to military service
This UN publication is intended as a guide for State officials responsible for implementing laws on conscientious objection, as well as Members of Parliament and Government officials involved in drafting laws on the subject. It's also intended to guide individuals who may be called to perform military service and are unsure of what their rights are. |
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Toledo Guiding Principles on education about religions and beliefs in public schools
Aimed at both legislators and schools, this handbook offers guidance on preparing curricula for teaching about religions and beliefs, preferred procedures for assuring fairness in the development of curricula, and standards for how they could be implemented. Developed by the ODIHR Advisory Council of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief in co-operation with education experts and available in English and Spanish. Abu Dhabi Guidelines on Teaching Interfaith Tolerance
These guidelines for teachers provide different ways to help educate students on interfaith tolerance. |