EU should use power to end torment of religious minorities

“EU should use political and financial power to end persecution of religious minorities worldwide”

o ADF International highlights importance of European Parliament Report on Freedom of Religion or Belief

o Report finds significant restrictions; references the near extinction of Christians in Syria and Iraq

BRUSSELS – On 30 June 2016, the European Parliament Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance presented the annual Report on Freedom of Religion or Belief 2016. The report considers 53 countries in detail and finds freedom of religion or belief to be significantly restricted throughout the world.

“We cannot accept that people today are being killed, tortured, or oppressed, simply because of their religious convictions or beliefs,” said Sophia Kuby, Director of EU Advocacy for ADF International after the presentation of the report at the European Parliament.

“The annual Report on Freedom of Religion or Belief is an important instrument to promote religious freedom both inside and outside the EU. It will effectively help us to address religious persecution throughout the world and ensure that the European Union uses its political and financial power to safeguard the fundamental rights of religious minorities in all countries.”

Near extinction of Christians in Iraq and Syria

The report, launched by the two Chairmen of the Intergroup, Peter van Dalen MEP and Dennis de Jong MEP, also addressed the suffering of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East at the hands of ISIS/Daesh. The day before the Report was presented, ADF International had launched its new book Never Again – Legal Responses to a Broken Promise in the Middle East. The book documents the ongoing genocide of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq, highlights the failings of the international community in ending the carnage, and provides a blueprint for applying international law on genocide to adequately respond to terrorist groups like ISIS/Daesh.

“ADF International and our allies are using our full-time presence at major international institutions to shine a light on the systematic persecution faced by Christians around the world. The freedom to live according to one’s religion is a fundamental human right. But it has come under increasing pressure, whether at the hands of governments seeking to protect one particular group to the serious detriment of others, or terrorist groups like ISIS/Daesh. Publications like the annual Report on Religious Freedom or Belief and our book Never Again provide the essential evidentiary basis for concrete action by those institutions charged with protecting fundamental rights,” said Robert Clarke, Director of European Advocacy for ADF International.

Review copies and information

If you are interested in a review copy of Never Again, please contact athonhauser@adfinternational.org
For more information go to www.adfinternational.org/neveragain

ADF International is an alliance-building legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.

ENDS

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