The Importance of Interfaith Coalitions in Defending Freedom of Religion or Belief

Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is sometimes perceived as a right that has been politicized, or even a right that is defended by particular religions, only for their own interests. In fact, in addition to being a fundamental right, it’s also a universal one, and as such to be effective it can only be defended as being universal. If FoRB is not for all, but only for a few, then there is no FoRB, as it would lose its universal substance. During the last years, a strong current has emerged internationally, based on interfaith or multi-faith cooperation to defend FoRB for all. The efficiency of these coalitions has proven strong, and might be the best if not the only way to get results and positive changes as regards FoRB in the world. The presenters share their experience in that field, as human rights defenders themselves, and explain how and why this should become the new model to follow.