In a world where hostility towards religious minorities persists, the need for empowering responses to religious hatred has never been more urgent. The duty of States to prevent and respond to acts of violence and discrimination based on religion is firmly established in international human rights law. However, recent incidents of desecration and discrimination have reignited the debate on how best to address and prevent such acts.

On the 8th of March 2024, a pivotal event titled “Empowering Responses to Religious Hatred” will take place at Room XXV, Palais des Nations, Geneva.

This event, organized by ADF International and co-sponsored by Jubilee Campaign, CAP Liberté de Conscience, Fundación para la Mejora de la Vida, la Cultura y la Sociedad, aims to highlight the importance of empowering approaches rooted in international human rights law to combat religious hatred.

Distinguished speakers including Mrs. Fiona Bruce, MP, Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion of Belief, United Kingdom; H.E. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Office; Mrs. Tehmina Arora, Director of Asia Advocacy, ADF International; Mr. Joseph Janssen, Advocacy Officer, Jubilee Campaign; and Mr. Jonas Fiebrantz, Advocacy Officer, ADF International, will lead a panel discussion on key questions surrounding religious hatred.

The panel will delve into crucial topics such as trends in violations against religious communities, the international human rights framework on responses to religious hatred, shortcomings of restrictive approaches, and examples of empowering practices. The event will conclude with a Q&A session, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage with the speakers and delve deeper into the discussion.

At a time when the rights and freedoms of religious minorities are under threat, it is essential for global stakeholders to come together and commit to implementing empowering strategies to combat religious hatred. States, the UN, civil society, and faith actors all have a role to play in promoting social resilience and upholding human rights in the face of religious intolerance.

I can only applaud such inclusive initiatives. Together, let us strive for a world where all individuals can practice their beliefs freely, without the threat of discrimination or violence. It is essential for global stakeholders to commit to implementing empowering strategies to combat religious hatred. All their support, commitment and advocacy is crucial in promoting social resilience and upholding human rights in the face of religious intolerance.

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The event concept note, along with the full list of co-sponsors, is available at this link.

Please confirm your attendance via email at [email protected] by no later than Monday, 4 March 2024.