Freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression
The right to freedom of religion or belief is linked in important ways to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes SDG no. 16. If we want to promote peaceful and inclusive societies and provide access to justice for all, we must ensure due attention to freedom of religion or belief. Parliamentarians and religious/belief leaders can play an important role in this.
This paper provides a brief introduction to the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and SDG 16, focusing on access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms. The brief outlines the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, identifies key areas of concern, and suggests concrete actions that parliamentarians and religious/belief leaders can take to address them.
This paper is part of "Leaving no one behind" - a series of briefing papers on freedom of religion or belief and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The series includes six papers:
- Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Sustainable Development Goals
- Freedom of Religion or Belief and Health
- Freedom of Religion or Belief and Education
- Freedom of Religion or Belief and Women’s Rights
- Freedom of Religion or Belief and Climate Change
- Freedom of Religion or Belief and Freedom of Expression
The papers will be published and presented at online seminars during fall 2021 and spring 2022.
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