To mark Human Rights Day, the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the APPG for International Freedom of Religion or Belief has published a Commentary on the current state of Freedom of Religion or Belief. This Commentary is unique. It is the first resource to be compiled collectively by the APPG’s 25 expert…
The aim of the Wilton Park discussion this month was to explore how the delivery of humanitarian and development aid, underpinned by the rule of law and international norms, could better address the complex and contextual needs of religious minority groups in conflict and crisis settings. The event explored how the needs assessment processes within…
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP) I beg to move, That this House has considered the matter of armed violence against farming communities in Nigeria. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Betts, and I thank the Backbench Business Committee for allocating time for this debate—it is of the upmost importance that the House,…
A surge in aggressive nationalism in key parts of the world is to blame for a rise in violence and other intimidation against religious minorities – and the West is failing to convert words of concern into action, according to a report just out. Assessing all 196 countries around the globe, the Religious Freedom in…
Ruth Gledhill writes in The Tablet: Members of parliament from different countries have written an open letter pleading help for Asia Bibi after her blasphemy acquittal More than 230 parliamentarians from countries including the UK have signed an open letter to the Pakistani Prime Minister. They urge the government to secure safe passage from the…
With religious repression and violence by abusive governments and extremist groups becoming a daily reality across the globe, the International Panel for Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB), a transnational network of parliamentarians, has been building collective political capital to shape legislation and public debate on religious freedom and belief for the last…
The APPG welcomes the acquittal of Asia Bibi. Mrs Bibi was accused of blasphemy in 2010 which automatically carries the death penalty. The Supreme Court determined that no solid evidence of wrongdoing was presented before the Court in the eight years that Mrs Bibi remained in prison. The APPG urges the Pakistani Government to protect…
The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) has poblished, in a world first, a list of the best and worst countries to be an atheist. This year the IHEU launches its 7th annual Freedom of Thought Report at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. For the first time the report contains a…
The APPG for International Freedom of Religion or Belief has issued the following statement on the Tree of Life Synagogue Attack in Pittsburgh on Saturday: The APPG sends its deep condolences to the families and friends of the 11 victims killed in the anti-Semitic attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on…
Westminster Hall, Thursday 25 October Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP) I beg to move that this House has considered international freedom of religion or belief day 2018. It is a pleasure to introduce this debate. Thank you, Mr Walker, for chairing it—it is a pleasure to speak under your chairmanship. International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day…