Celebrating 40 years of the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief

The fact that this mandate has endured for four decades - with only three other mandates being older - is not merely a procedural detail. It is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of the right it protects. Keeping this in mind, the EU can point to a long-standing history of supporting and promoting the human right for freedom of religion or belief, signalling that it is a cornerstone of human dignity.

The room commonly reflected on the longevity of the mandate and the fact that time and again, the international community has recognized that freedom of religion or belief is foundational for social cohesion and integral to the realization of many other human rights.

"Over these forty years, the EU has remained steadfast in defending both freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression - a cornerstone of democratic societies. These rights are not adversaries; they are interdependent, interrelated, and mutually reinforcing. Together, they protect the right to hold beliefs and to express opinions about religions and beliefs." - EU Ambassador Deike Potzel

The event served as a moment of reflection in a time in which we see a sharp increase in religious intolerance and extremism. It further provided the space for a constructive dialogue to openly discuss the underlying principles of respect and peaceful coexistence, and to renew our commitment to mutual respect, cooperation and a common effort to work for a universal recognition for the freedom of religion or belief. In the words of the current UN Special Rapporteur, Professor Nazila Ghanea, this is necessary as freedom of religion or belief is necessary for societal harmony.

The panel of speakers included Ambassador Bilal Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Vasilika Hysi, Permanent Representative of Albania, Ambassador Christian Guillermet Fernández, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica, Ambassador Tormod C. Endresen, Permanent Representative of Norway, and Ambassador Omar Zniber, Permanent Representative of Morocco. Together, they highlighted the continued need to fight non-coercion to adopt a religion or belief and the work that still needs to be done in addressing religious intolerance in everyday society.