The Pakistani government’s decision to invite and host controversial Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik has drawn widespread criticism from religious minorities, intellectuals, and women’s rights activists. Dr. Naik, known for his hardline and regressive views on religion, women, and cultural practices, is viewed by many as a divisive figure whose presence could exacerbate Pakistan’s existing […]
Month: October 2024
Rachel Miner, founder and CEO of Bellwether International, highlights in her recent opinion piece that the fight for religious freedom, while often an intellectual discussion in the U.S., is a life-or-death matter in many parts of the world. Miner references a recent report from the Pew Research Center, which reveals that government restrictions on religion […]
Global Prayer Effort to Support Persecuted Christians on November 3rd, 2024. Toronto, ON – Voice of the Martyrs Canada invites Christians worldwide to join the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. This annual event honors the legacy of Rev. Richard Wurmbrand, founder of Voice of the Martyrs, […]
On International Religious Freedom Day, Knox Thames calls for renewed commitment to advancing religious freedom globally, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election. In an opinion piece titled “Recommitting to International Religious Freedom,” Knox Thames emphasizes the urgent need for the United States to take decisive action to protect the rights of those persecuted […]
New York, 24 October 2024 – A UN expert has stressed the urgent need to protect freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief, particularly in the face of growing global conflict and violence. Nazila Ghanea, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, emphasized the interconnectedness of peace and religious freedom. She noted […]
Global Concerns Rise Over Religious Freedom in South Asia, UK Pledges Support Human rights organizations, the United Nations, and various governments are voicing concerns over the treatment of minority faith communities across South Asia. Reports indicate that individuals in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have experienced discrimination or persecution due to their religious […]
October 27, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario In recognition of International Day of Religious Freedom, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Mélanie Joly, issued a statement underscoring Canada’s dedication to upholding religious freedom and fighting religious intolerance worldwide. “Freedom of religion and freedom of belief are essential for building resilient, prosperous, and peaceful societies where […]
Washington, D.C. – USAID Administrator Samantha Power marked International Religious Freedom Day by highlighting the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right. In her statement, she emphasized the global challenges faced by individuals who are persecuted or discriminated against due to their religious beliefs. Power underscored the connection between religious freedom and democratic […]
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) observed the 26th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) by emphasizing the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right. USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck highlighted the progress made in promoting religious freedom globally, but also stressed the ongoing challenges faced by […]
Washington, D.C. – In a statement released on October 27th, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to international religious freedom. The statement marked the 26th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act. Blinken emphasized the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right, highlighting the U.S. government’s efforts to […]