The young boy who was abducted as a 6-year-old turned 36 on Friday. What he does, where he lives or even if he’s still alive isn’t known, thanks to the reticence of the Chinese government, which kidnapped him along with his family and his teacher 30 years ago. Beijing leaders, ever wary of potential rivals … Continue reading The story of one of Buddhism’s most revered figures, long missing, explained
Pope Francis and China: A Difficult Legacy
Pope Francis’ death leads many to reflect on his pontificate from the point of view of the relationships with China. They cannot be separated from a broader view of Francis’ policies and teachings. I believe his most admirable legacy is his last encyclical, “Dilexit nos.” It includes a part describing the elimination of God and … Continue reading Pope Francis and China: A Difficult Legacy
China imposes new bans on missionary work, claims it’s for ‘national security’
China has banned foreign missionaries from preaching and establishing religious organizations, justifying the move as necessary for national security. The latest restrictions, announced by the Chinese Communist Party, will take effect on May 1, intensifying the crackdown on Christianity in the country. The newly revised rules explicitly prohibit non-Chinese citizens living in China from... Read … Continue reading China imposes new bans on missionary work, claims it’s for ‘national security’
Pope Francis called for freedom of religion in his last public message before passing away at 88
The Catholic Church and the world at large are mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who, as reported by Vatican News, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The news of his passing was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45 AM from the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence in the Vatican. Pope Francis said … Continue reading Pope Francis called for freedom of religion in his last public message before passing away at 88
PAKISTAN: Former EU Special Envoy on FORB spoke on human dignity in Pakistan at the UN
On 26 March, CAP/ Liberté de conscience and Human Rights Without Frontiers organized a side-event about the situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. The keynote speaker was Mr Jan Figel, EU Commissioner for Education (2004-2009) and former EU Special Envoy of Freedom of Religion or Belief (2016-2019). Here are the main insights of his presentation. … Continue reading PAKISTAN: Former EU Special Envoy on FORB spoke on human dignity in Pakistan at the UN
French Hijab Ban in Sport Hinders Religious Freedom
France has complicated relations with religious clothing, believing that it infringes on secularism, its fundamental value. In 2004, the country banned the wearing of religious attire in schools. Since 2011, France has issued forbidding orders on wearing face coverings. Although the excuse was originally to avoid public safety concerns, the order still significantly interfered with individual rights, … Continue reading French Hijab Ban in Sport Hinders Religious Freedom
U.S. Commission Again Cites Turkmenistan for Religious Freedom Violations
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again designated Turkmenistan as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing ongoing and systematic violations of religious freedom in its 2024 annual report. Persistent State Control and Persecution - The USCIRF report emphasizes that religious freedoms in Turkmenistan remain severely restricted, with the state maintaining tight control over religious … Continue reading U.S. Commission Again Cites Turkmenistan for Religious Freedom Violations
IRF Roundtable Congratulates Congressman Mark Walker on Appointment as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable welcomes the announcement—made last night via the platform X—of Congressman Mark Walker’s selection by the Trump administration to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. As a long-standing, multi-faith, and non-partisan community of advocates committed to advancing freedom of religion or belief for all people, … Continue reading IRF Roundtable Congratulates Congressman Mark Walker on Appointment as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
European Union imposes sanctions on Iran’s judiciary over human rights abuses—including the persecution of Bahá’ís
Brussels – The Council of the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions and restrictive measures on a number of courts, judges and prisons in Iran in its decision 2025/774. These sanctions spotlight the role of judicial authorities and penal institutions in the systematic persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran. The decision—adopted on 14 April 2024 by the Council … Continue reading European Union imposes sanctions on Iran’s judiciary over human rights abuses—including the persecution of Bahá’ís
French Cassation: Secular Judges Cannot Review Excluding Decisions by Religious Courts
On April 4, 2025, the French Court of Cassation rendered an important decision confirming that secular judges cannot review verdicts by ecclesiastical courts based on religious criteria and principles. Explicitly, the judges noted that this decision aligns France with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and quoted the 2013 Grand Chamber judgement “Sindicatul … Continue reading French Cassation: Secular Judges Cannot Review Excluding Decisions by Religious Courts