The Center for Studies on Freedom of Religion Belief and Conscience (LIREC) supports FoRBDefender Movement’s Call On People of all Faiths and None to Declare: “Believe it or not, it’s my Right!”
The European Platform against Religious Intolerance and Discrimination (EPRID) launches its new #FoRBDefender movement on freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, calling on people everywhere to unite under the slogan, “Believe it or not, it’s my Right!”
We are all protected by freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief (FoRB).
Because of this, we urge everyone to stand together and defend this fundamental right.
Join our movement of FoRB Defenders and show that people of all faiths and none can unite to speak out against discrimination, oppression and violence on the grounds of religion or belief.
The #FoRBDefender movement aims to:
1. Raise awareness of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief (FoRB).
2. Stand in solidarity with individuals and communities worldwide who suffer injustice and persecution because of their religion or belief - or none.
3. Call on legislators, policymakers and diplomats to more robustly defend and protect FoRB in the world.
Every single one of the world's seven billion people has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.
In 2013, the EU adopted Guidelines on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief which set out how it intends to advance this fundamental right in external action. The #FoRBDefender movement has been inspired by EU-level discussions on how the Guidelines could be better implemented.
According to research by the Pew Research Centre, around 80% of the world’s population suffer discrimination, oppression or violence because of their religion or belief. No religion or belief group, including theists, non-theists and atheists, are exempt from FoRB violations.
Uniting to protect this freedom, we can all: Claim our rights and help others to claim theirs by shedding light on violations, holding governments and local authorities accountable for their actions and putting pressure on local, national, regional and international decision-makers to intervene and change situations.
Help people of all faiths and none get more engaged by making them aware of what FoRB is, why it is important and how it can be violated.
Treat each other with respect and give other religion or belief communities the same rights that we claim for ourselves.
TAKE ACTION! https://forb-defenders.org/take-action
