Yesterday, I joined ecumenical colleagues from the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches at a special event hosted by the government of Canada looking at ways the United Nations can encourage and protect religious freedom around the world. Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Dr. Heiner Bielefeldt spoke of the importance of looking at the human right of freedom of religion or belief in concert with all other human rights.
Dr. Bielefeldt’s latest report examines religious freedom in 25 states. The Special Rapportuer for freedom of religion or belief issues a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council once a year.