Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil attended the parliamentary launch of CSW’s toolkit on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) on October 23rd.

The event saw the launch of humans rights organisation CSW’s toolkit on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).

The newly-published toolkit on FoRB recognises the important role of MPs and Peers in advocating for FoRB in the global context where more than three-quarters of the world’s population live in countries with severe restrictions on their religious freedom.

In addition to an overview of different aspects of FoRB and the current situation in the countries CSW works in around the world, the toolkit also includes information on both parliamentary and extra-parliamentary mechanisms Parliamentarians can use to promote the right to FoRB.

For over 30 years CSW has worked to raise awareness of violations of FoRB around the world and to advocate for this right in various national and international platforms including the UK Parliament, US Congress, European Union and United Nations. In the UK, CSW’s work based on strong cross-party relationships continues to help many MPs and Peers to speak up to promote this universal human right in Parliament.

Mr MacNeil said: “I was pleased to attend CSW’s event and collect a copy of their toolkit on freedom of religion or belief, alongside receiving up to date briefings on the situation of FoRB around the world from CSW’s expert advocates.

 “I am committed to standing up for this fundamental human right, and urge the UK Government to do all it can to promote, protect and enable the enjoyment of FoRB for every religious community around the world without discrimination, and to prevent or sanction violations of FoRB if they occur.”

 

Mervyn Thomas, CSW’s Chief Executive said: “The right to FoRB is enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. FoRB matters, not only because it is a fundamental human right, but because promoting respect for all helps to build inclusive societies that are more stable, more prosperous, and better able to resist extremism. However, at CSW we remain deeply concerned by the human rights violations committed against religious communities around the world. I and my colleagues at CSW look forward to working with Angus MacNeil MP to defend and promote FoRB for all.”