Religious freedom: a human right, not a privilege.

PETITION

Protect the Right to Believe: A Global Call for Religious Freedom

Addressed to:

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk
The UN General AssemblyThe President of the European Council António Costa
Leaders of democratic governments
Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives  

“We, the undersigned, raise our voices to call for the urgent protection and continued promotion of the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion worldwide, as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, which states:

“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.”

Yet, in many parts of the world we continue to witness severe violations of this fundamental human right.

Today, according to the ACN Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025, some 5.4 billion people live in 62 countries where persecution, oppression, or discrimination has intensified, both by state and 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 the 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 to avoid forced migration, thereby enabling them to stay in their ancestral homes and lands.

3. Individuals and groups suffering religious persecution to receive the emergency and legal aid they need.“

Because religious freedom is not a privilege. It is a human right.

Please sign this petition and stand up for this fundamental human right.