The European Union – as an institution, and as individual member states – is often criticised for not doing enough to protect and promote freedom of religion and belief around the world. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is very clear on the issue, we are often reminded. And yet, the critics say, amongst the many rights that are promoted and protected, religion and belief is too often considered an orphan. What are you doing?
24 June saw a real step forward, with the adoption by the Council of the European Union of a comprehensive set of EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief. The guidelines, which will inform all EU work in this area, and be shared by the 28 members of the EU, are clear and practical. They do not preach, but they make the case. They set out priority areas of action: violence on the grounds of religion or belief; freedom of expression; promotion of respect for diversity and tolerance; discrimination; the right to change or leave one’s religion or belief; manifestation of religion or belief, including public worship and education; support for human rights defenders; and engagement with civil society. And they establish a set of tools for practical action.
EU Ambassadors to the Holy See presented the new guidelines to the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, on 25 June, explaining their scope and ambition. Recalling Pope Francis’ words about the importance of “a culture of encounter” between civil society and faith, Mamberti welcomed the guidelines, particularly the emphasis on the universal character of freedom of religion or belief.
Implementing the guidelines will not be easy. Many states violate the many international norms and treaties on freedom of religion or belief already in place. But the guidelines are a statement of intent. As the document states, “the EU reaffirms its determination to promote, in its external human rights policy, freedom of religion or belief as a right to be exercised by everyone everywhere”. With the guidelines, the issue has been placed at the heart of the EU’s foreign policy.