UN religious freedom envoy to assess Tunisia
World Watch Monitor The UN’s special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief will assess whether security measures to combat terrorism in Tunisia are limiting freedom of religion. Ahmed Shaheed is scheduled for a 10 day visit the capital, Tunis, and the island of Djerba, where he will discuss human rights issues, including those of […]
Uzbek Christians report continued state pressure, despite recent UN criticism
World Watch Monitor State harassment against Baptists in Uzbekistan has continued despite the UN’s recent criticism of the country’s religious rights records. UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom or Religion or Belief, Ahmed Shaheed, said: “Law changes and a strong political will are needed if Uzbeks are to freely practise their faith” when he presented his report on […]
‘Vietnam targeting religious followers, whose sole wish is to live their faith in peace’
World Watch Monitor The Paris-based Vietnam Committee on Human Rights has expressed “deep concern” over an attack earlier this month on 24 Christians from the Hmong people group, who had recently converted to the Christian faith. The group had been warned by local leaders to renounce their faith or be forced to leave the village. The attack, led […]
Religious freedom learning platform launched at UN
World Watch Monitor A new website to help promote understanding of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) was launched yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council. The Sweden-based FoRB Learning Platform provides downloadable resources in 13 different languages, including quick guides to religious rights, movie clips, theological reflections, and links to other […]
In Uzbekistan, religious freedoms ‘not recognised in law and practice’, says UN special rapporteur
World Watch Monitor Law changes and a strong political will are needed if Uzbeks are to freely practise their faith, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom or Religion or Belief. Ahmed Shaheed presented his findings on 2nd March to the Human Rights Council as it meets for its 37th session in Geneva, Switzerland, […]
Uzbekistan should ‘protect religious freedoms, not see religion as a threat’, says UN Special Rapporteur
World Watch Monitor Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief PICTURE: UNHCR Uzbekistan should invest more time in protecting religious freedoms in its ongoing reforms rather than see religion as a threat, a UN expert has concluded after an official visit to the country. “Resilience against religious extremism can be […]