Posted by ccld201
20 January 2025According to Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’. Religious freedom as a fundamental right has been guaranteed under international law by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since 1966 (art. 18). At the regional level, the European Convention on Human Rights also protects the right to hold religious or other beliefs (art. 9). Additionally, unlike Asia, Europe has the European Court of Human Rights, which contributes to the protection of religious rights. However, nowadays more than 80% of the world’s population (according to Pew Research Centre) live in countries that restrict or repress freedom of religion or belief. It is a multifaceted problem that requires attention from academia, governments and societies.
The interdisciplinary hybrid conference organized by Exeter Law School andsponsored by MEJORA Foundation and the Human Rights & Democracy Forum will bring together scholars, experts, representatives of religious communities and NGOs to reflect on some key issues in the ongoing struggle for religious freedom, such as:
Government restrictions and discrimination: Many countries impose laws, policies, and actions that limit religious beliefs and practices. This encompasses interference in worship, discrimination, and harassment of religious groups, such as minorities and new religious movements (NRM). For instance, the Russian state targets religious minorities under the pretext of combating extremism and terrorism. Germany uses national security regulations to provoke segregation, and Japan imposes laws on certain minorities that violate their freedom of religion or belief. Norway deregisters peaceful religious organizations, while France finances anti-religious movements. Despite being in the 21st century, many governments still prosecute nonviolent religious activities of ‘non-traditional’ (NRM) and ‘traditional’ religious groups. Some countries have laws that prohibit atheism or restrict conversion, which limit religious freedom.
Social hostilities: In Asian and European societies certain religious groups are more frequently targeted than others. Religious minorities often face violence and harassment from private individuals or groups, which can manifest in religion-related armed conflict, violent extremism, or harassment over religious attire. Religious restrictions vary significantly by state. For example, China has high levels of government restrictions on religion and persecutions of religious minorities, while India experiences significant social hostilities involving religion.
Best practices: It would be desirable to consider some cases of positive governmental policies concerning religious minorities. Examples might include the successful integration of various migrant minorities into the host society or the equality of all religious groups, achieved through tolerance and respect for human rights. This can cover research findings on religious rights, judicial cases, strategies for countering or challenging state violence and restrictions against religious minorities. Interdisciplinary approaches and comparative studies are particularly encouraged.
Media support is provided by FoRB Press.
Abstract submission deadline: 20 March 2025
Publication of the final program: 05 April 2025
Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
Abstract submission: An abstract of no more than 250 words, accompanied by your professional affiliation and a short biography, should be submitted by email by 20 March 2025 (before 5pm UK time) to v.atnash@exeter.ac.uk