Our Cyprus consultation’s statement and position paper, “A Southwestern Asian and North African (SWANA) Response to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB),” are available now on Dar al-Kalima University‘s website (links below).

The consultation was organized by the university and نحو المواطَنة والتعدُديِة (CAFCAW) on December 2 & 3, 2022, in Limassol-Cyprus. Its main goal was to produce a wholisitic response to FoRB and provide a platform for SWANA stakeholders to share practices and experiences about freedom of religion or belief in the region.

As indicated by several international reports, restrictions on religious minorities and personal status (limiting religious and non-religious minorities’ rights as well as gender equality), harassment/persecution of non-theists and atheists, etc., have increased in the last few years in SWANA, fueled by ongoing wars, socio-economic crises, and the proliferation of authoritarian and highly conservative individuals, organizations, social groups, and government actions. Consequently, as outlined in the published consultation’s Statement (English/Arabic) and Position Paper (English), participants stated they value FoRB. Still, they also insisted on contextualizing policies related to FoRB, considering the region’s socio-economic conditions, communal structures, and policy challenges.

Truly thankful for the fantastic team of experts, activists, and academics who helped us make this journey a great success. We are grateful for their support and collaboration.

STATEMENT:

A Southwestern Asian and North African Response to Freedom of Religion or Belief

https://www.daralkalima.edu.ps/en/news/1671183072

وثيقة جنوب غرب آسيا وشمال إفريقيا حول الحرية الدينية وحرية المعتقد

https://www.daralkalima.edu.ps/ar/news/1671183072

POSITION PAPER:

https://www.daralkalima.edu.ps/en/news/1671691550