Protect the Right to Believe: A Global Call for Religious Freedom
The Issue
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; 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 religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
- Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948
Yet, in many parts of the world, we continue to witness severe violations of this fundamental human right.
According to the Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025, some 5.2 billion people — almost two-thirds of humanity — live in 60 countries where there is persecution, oppression, and discrimination perpetrated by the state and/or non-state actors.
Members of almost every religious group, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims, have suffered discrimination (in the workplace and school), physical violence, arrest, abduction, sexual abuse — and have even been killed — for simply wanting to live out their faith.
This grave human rights crisis can no longer be ignored.
In the name of human dignity, we therefore appeal to all countries to implement Article 18 in full. Specifically, we call on:
1. International institutions and democratic governments to:
- Publicly condemn all forms of religious persecution.
- Make religious freedom a priority in foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
- Enforce appropriate measures against regimes that repeatedly violate this fundamental right.
- Take concrete steps, including educational and legal initiatives, to prevent violations, ensure effective protection of this right, and promote the socio-economic development of religious minorities.
2. At-risk religious communities to be granted protection, especially in countries suffering from sectarian violence or religious extremism. This is aimed at preventing forced migration, thereby enabling communities to stay in their ancestral homes and lands.
3. Individuals and groups suffering religious persecution to receive the emergency and legal aid they need.
Please add your name today and help people around the world suffering persecution for their beliefs. Together we can make a real difference.
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The Issue
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; 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 religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
- Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948
Yet, in many parts of the world, we continue to witness severe violations of this fundamental human right.
According to the Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025, some 5.2 billion people — almost two-thirds of humanity — live in 60 countries where there is persecution, oppression, and discrimination perpetrated by the state and/or non-state actors.
Members of almost every religious group, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims, have suffered discrimination (in the workplace and school), physical violence, arrest, abduction, sexual abuse — and have even been killed — for simply wanting to live out their faith.
This grave human rights crisis can no longer be ignored.
In the name of human dignity, we therefore appeal to all countries to implement Article 18 in full. Specifically, we call on:
1. International institutions and democratic governments to:
- Publicly condemn all forms of religious persecution.
- Make religious freedom a priority in foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
- Enforce appropriate measures against regimes that repeatedly violate this fundamental right.
- Take concrete steps, including educational and legal initiatives, to prevent violations, ensure effective protection of this right, and promote the socio-economic development of religious minorities.
2. At-risk religious communities to be granted protection, especially in countries suffering from sectarian violence or religious extremism. This is aimed at preventing forced migration, thereby enabling communities to stay in their ancestral homes and lands.
3. Individuals and groups suffering religious persecution to receive the emergency and legal aid they need.
Please add your name today and help people around the world suffering persecution for their beliefs. Together we can make a real difference.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 30 January 2026