freedom of religion

This research paper highlights the trends in religion-based hate speech in relation with the right to free speech in the online space in India.

This briefing paper is based on extensive conversation that began in a regional civil society consultation on opinion, expression and religious freedoms in Jakarta in 2015.

APC and the organisations supporting this joint statement welcome the appointment of Dr. Ahmed Shaheed as the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and his report to be presented at the 34th session of the Human Rights Council.

This study focuses on nine countries in Asia – Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam – which have recorded a significant number of violations of freedom of expression on account of religion or religious sensitivities.

Violations of freedom of expression in the name of religion, are increasingly taking place online, and disproportionally impact women and sexual minorities.    

APC and Bytes for All, Pakistan welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, which rejects the conflict between freedom of expression and freedom of religion and instead highlights their positive interrelatedness and mutual reinforcement.    

The Jakarta Recommendations are the outcome of discussions at a regional consultation on Expression, Opinion and Religious Freedoms in Asia, held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 3-5 June 2015. Over 140 people, comprised of experts, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, as well as human rights defenders and civ...

“Religion is used throughout the region to gain power and suppress free speech,” Bytes for All Pakistan’s Sadaf Baig said during the Regional Consultation on Expression, Opinion and Religious Freedom in South Asia, which brought together more than 70 human rights defenders, activists and journalists in Jakarta.