Space to meaningfully and equally participate in society, including through our religious or belief identities, is restricted across the world. Such space is often feared and controlled and when dissident voices do emerge, they are punished. Self-censorship becomes normalised. The rich benefits of hearing from alternative approaches and perspectives on collective issues and ways of being in the world are not embraced.
THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER | 14.00-15.30 (CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME) | ZOOM
Linked to these dynamics, freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief is seen as in opposition to one another, with advocates suggesting that one right needs to be curtailed to protect the other. Too much freedom of expression may be seen to threaten existing institutions, while FoRB is seen to empower institutions to further marginalise. But fear of these rights misses their purpose and spirit as inter-related, intertwined and interdependent rights that allow each one of us to live what is important to us – importantly while not harming others. Fear of these rights also paralyses us from reaching the thriving societies the Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 16) seek.
KEY DOCUMENTS
This Dialogue will provide space for parliamentarians, religious leaders and influencers and civil society to listen, share their wisdom and explore together how they can navigate this politicised environment. In doing so, they can better understand the role that they can play in ensuring the freedom of all individuals to express themselves, including in relation to religion or belief, while at the same time protecting against incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
This Dialogue is informed by an expert briefing paper on FoRB and Education produced by the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) as part of the FoRBLN project, of which IPPFoRB and DIHR are consortium members. The consultation series is also supported by the African Parliamentarians Association for Human Rights (AfriPAHR), Religions for Peace and the #FaithforRights Initiative.
This Dialogue is intended in the first instance for parliamentarians and faith leaders from the 8 FoRBLN project countries (Bangladesh, the Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda), but it will also be of interest to parliamentarians and faith and belief leaders from across Africa, Europe and South and Southeast Asia.
SPEAKERS
Faruq Faisel, Regional Director for Bangladesh and South Asia, Article 19
Hina Jilani, Pioneering lawyer, pro-democracy campaigner and women’s rights activist. Joined the Elders in 2013 and Co-Chair of its Justice Taskforce since 2018
Simona Cruciani, Political Affairs Officer, UN Office on Genocide Prevention and Responsibility to Protect
Dr Marie Juul Petersen, Senior Researcher, Danish Institute for Human Rights
If you experience any technical problems or any other need, please don’t hesitate to write to us at contact@ippforb.com