What is Freedom of Religion & Belief (FoRB)?
The right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is enshrined in several international instruments, such as Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 18 of the UDHR provides for the right of everyone to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and clearly states that ‘this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his/her religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.’
HRWF’s special focus on FoRB
Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) has a long and respected history of promoting and defending the freedom of religion or belief for all. It has taken a leadership role in fighting against all forms of religious discrimination and in protecting the freedom to not have a religion. As such, HRWF is a member of the European Platform against Religious Intolerance and Discrimination (EPRID) and advisory board member of the European Parliament Platform for Secularism in Politics at the European Parliament (EPPSP).
HRWF is an independent non-governmental organisation, not associated with any religion or belief system. This neutral position has given HRWF the freedom to defend the rights of lesser known or new religious movements with the same vigour as it has for the traditional faith communities. This is equally the case for those who adhere to atheistic and other secular convictions.
HRWF is committed to defending the freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief for all people, regardless of their affiliation.
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