Yesterday the Parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution to that effect with 576 in favour, only 46 against, and 73 abstentions. In the resolution, the Parliament expressed, “its deep concerns that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of Freedom of Religion or Belief worldwide,” and that violations of this fundamental freedom “undermine democracy, impede development, and negatively affect the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms and rights.” Therefore, the international community, the EU, and its Member States should “reaffirm their determination and strengthen their actions in promoting FoRB (Freedom of Religion or Belief) for all.”

Commenting on the development, Alice Neffe, Legal Counsel for ADF International in Brussels, said

“Nobody should be persecuted for their faith. Ahead of the European elections in May, the European Parliament is sending a clear message with this report. The European Union should take seriously its responsibility to protect the fundamental right to freedom of religion. The Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and the EU Guidelines already provide the necessary instruments. With the institutionalization of the Special Envoy position, and the strengthening of the mandate, the European Union can and should be better positioned to help ensure religious freedom worldwide.”