The need to uphold freedom of religion and belief is urgent, according to a UN Special Rapporteur in a message to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic charity which helps persecuted Christians all over the world.

In a video message to ACN, Dr Nazila Ghanea said people in every corner of the world, “needlessly suffer, day in and day out, violations of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, purely and simply because of their religion or belief.”

Last Saturday marked the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

On the occasion, Dr Ghanea called for renewed commitment to protecting one of the world’s most fundamental human rights.

Her message closely reflected ACN’s own Article 18 Petition.

Inspired by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it calls on governments to respect, protect and promote every person’s right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.