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Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right. Yet, it remains the hidden right. Violations of religious freedom are often disguised, ignored, or outright enabled.
Today, nearly 4 billion people live in countries where severe violations of Freedom of Religion or Belief occur.
The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, or IPPFoRB, was created to change this. Founded in 2014, IPPFoRB is a unique, non-partisan global network of parliamentarians dedicated to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief for everyone, everywhere.
Freedom of religion or belief isn’t just about faith. It’s about human dignity, safety, equality, and the very fabric of a just society. Religious persecution fuels conflict, leading to extremism, mass displacement, hate speech and polarization, and the violation of other fundamental rights.
The erosion of religious freedom threatens peace, justice, and the democratic foundations upon which our societies are built.
At IPPFoRB, we build a dynamic community of changemakers, equipping them with the training, tools, and strategic advocacy skills needed to make an impact at a great scale.
IPPFORB Parliamentarians stand up for those facing persecution, they challenge and propose legislation and hold heads of state and political leaders accountable for their actions. They wield exceptional influence that can help tackle existing and emerging challenges to freedom of Religion or Belief.
IPPFoRB fosters international collaboration, bringing together parliamentarians, civil society, religious leaders and institutions.
Every day, we work to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is no longer a hidden human right. But we cannot do this alone. Join us by visiting our website. Support our initiatives by donating. Partner with IPPFoRB to amplify our impact. Freedom of belief is a right.
welcome to the international panel of parliamentarians for freedom of religion or belief
The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) is a unique, non-partisan global network of parliamentarians advancing and promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for everyone, everywhere.
IPPFORB IN NUMBERS
400+
Our network includes more than 400 former and sitting parliamentarians from across the world, united in their commitment to advancing FoRB through legislative action and international collaboration.
95+
IPPFoRB Parliamentarians come from over 90 countries across North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania — including Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
70+
Over 70 parliamentarians have participated in IPPFoRB’s tailored training programs, gaining the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for inclusive legislation and uphold FoRB in their respective countries.
10+
For over a decade, our network has been actively shaping global conversations around freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), building bridges between policymakers, civil society, and international institutions to foster inclusive, rights-based governance.
IPPFORB AROUNd THE WORLD
Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, IPPFoRB works with partners across continents to protect and promote Freedom of Religion or Belief. Through global collaboration, we organize and participate in events in cities around the world, fostering dialogue and action.
Our commitment
IPPFoRB Parliamentarians ratify their commitment to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) by signing the Oslo Charter, which is grounded in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
ARTICLE 18, THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
