This page focuses on the recent reports and statements made by the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB)

The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief is an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. The current mandate holder, Dr Nazila Ghanea, has been in post since July 2022. Dr Ahmed Shaheed was the previous mandate holder from 2016-2022.

Special Rapporteur’s 2022 reports

Report, Feb 2022: Rights of persons belonging to religious or belief minorities in situations of conflict or insecurity

Special Rapporteur’s 2021 reports

Report, Oct 2021: Freedom of thought

Report, March 2021: Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred to eliminate discrimination and intolerance based on religion or belief

Special Rapporteur’s 2020 reports

Report, Feb 2020: Report on freedom of religion or belief and gender equality

Report, Oct 2020: Safeguarding freedom of religion or belief for all for the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Report, released Feb 2020: Country visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Dr Ahmed Shaheed (country visit 27 March to 5 April).

Special Rapporteur’s 2019 reports

Report, Oct 2019: Report on combating antisemitism to eliminate discrimination and intolerance based on religion or belief

Report, Feb 2019: Restrictions imposed on expression on account of religion or belief.

Special Rapporteur’s 2018 reports

Report, Sept 2018: Relationship between freedom of religion or belief and national security.

Report, Feb 2018: State-Religion Relationships and their Impact on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Country Visit Report: Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief on his visit to Tunisia (9-19 April 2018)