International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief

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The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) is a unique network of parliamentarians working to advance the human right to Freedom of Religion or Belief worldwide. The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) is a global informal network of parliamentarians and legislators committed to advancing the right to freedom of religion or belief, as defined by Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration for Human Rights.

Freedom of conscience is at the heart of Freedom of Religion or Belief.Our beliefs are deeply personal. Some people may ...
16/10/2026

Freedom of conscience is at the heart of Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Our beliefs are deeply personal. Some people may change their beliefs throughout their lives, while others may choose not to follow a religion at all.

Freedom of Religion or Belief protects this space of individual conscience.

It means people should be free to form and hold their beliefs without coercion, discrimination or violence.

Protecting this freedom does not mean everyone has to agree. It means recognising that every person has the right to make decisions about their own conscience and beliefs while respecting the rights of others.

Believe. Question. Change. Choose.

Democracy is stronger when everyone has a voice.Democracy is not only about elections. It is also about creating systems...
15/10/2026

Democracy is stronger when everyone has a voice.

Democracy is not only about elections. It is also about creating systems where people can participate, express themselves and live with dignity regardless of their identity or beliefs.

Freedom of Religion or Belief is an important part of that foundation.

When people are free to hold different beliefs and are protected from discrimination because of those beliefs, societies are better equipped to manage diversity peacefully.

For parliamentarians, protecting minority rights and ensuring equality before the law are essential parts of building resilient democracies.

A healthy democracy does not require everyone to think alike. It requires institutions strong enough to protect people who do not.

Different beliefs. Equal rights. Stronger democracies.

What does Freedom of Religion or Belief actually mean? Freedom of Religion or Belief, or FoRB, is a fundamental human r...
14/10/2026

What does Freedom of Religion or Belief actually mean?

Freedom of Religion or Belief, or FoRB, is a fundamental human right that belongs to everyone.

It protects the right to hold a religion or belief, to change it, to practise it, to express it peacefully, or to choose not to have a religion or belief at all.

FoRB is also about equality and dignity. It means people should not face discrimination because of what they believe, what they do not believe, or how they choose to express their beliefs.

For parliamentarians, protecting FoRB means helping create societies where diversity is respected and everyone can participate equally, regardless of their religion, belief or worldview.

Different beliefs. Equal rights.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.For more than three decades, King Harald served Norwa...
28/08/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.
For more than three decades, King Harald served Norway with unwavering dedication, integrity, and a profound sense of duty. His leadership, humility, and commitment to democratic values earned him the respect and admiration of people in Norway and around the world.
As an organization based in , we extend our sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, and the people of Norway during this period of national mourning.
We join all those who honor King Harald's remarkable legacy of service, commitement to and his enduring contribution to Norwegian society and the international community.
Our thoughts are with Norway at this difficult time.

Photo:Royal House website

15/06/2026

What happens after a hard‑won human rights victory?
In 2024, parliamentarians in The Gambia upheld the national ban on female ge***al mutilation (FGM), protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
IPPFoRB Parliamentarian Hon. Amadou Camara played a key role in this effort, helping counter attempts to justify the practice on religious grounds.
But the story does not end there.
Today, a new attempt to repeal the ban is before the Supreme Court.
IPPFoRB remains engaged with parliamentarians in The Gambia and committed to advancing freedom of religion or belief and women’s rights.

At the Oslo Freedom Forum last week, Georgia’s former president სალომე ზურაბიშვილი / Salome Zourabichvili spoke about th...
08/06/2026

At the Oslo Freedom Forum last week, Georgia’s former president სალომე ზურაბიშვილი / Salome Zourabichvili spoke about the challenges facing her country — including democratic backsliding and increasing pressure on civil society.
These developments also affect freedom of religion or belief.
In 2025, IPPFoRB engaged with the European Parliament through an advocacy letter signed by our Steering Group, raising concerns about recent legislation in Georgia — including “foreign agents” laws — and its impact on civic space and religious and belief communities.
The response we received reflected many of these concerns, including the implications for civil society and religious actors.
We continue to follow developments closely as part of our advocacy work in Europe.

04/06/2026

At the Freedom Forum (OFF), actor and activist Richard Gere presented the Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent to Gao Zhen, a Chinese artist detained since 2024 for his art.
Gao has been charged under the vague “law on the protection of heroes and martyrs,” enacted years after the artworks in question were created.
In freedom of religion or belief work, we see similar patterns: laws framed as protecting religion, national identity, or social cohesion are used to silence dissent.
Whether through blasphemy laws or other restrictions, the effect is often the same — punishing those who challenge dominant narratives and weakening freedom.
Art is not a crime.

On Day 2 of the Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF), Indonesian comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono delivered a hilarious act in what was ...
02/06/2026

On Day 2 of the Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF), Indonesian comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono delivered a hilarious act in what was meant to be a light session in a programme filled with difficult, heartbreaking stories.

Yet behind the laughter was a serious message.

He described how jokes about his country’s vice president during a Netflix special resulted in blasphemy accusations in his homeland, with critics claiming he had insulted Islam.

Living in New York City, he can speak freely, but many others cannot.

Blasphemy laws are used to silence people.

Yesterday marked the opening of the Oslo Freedom Forum 2026 ( ): Dismantling dictatorship. The International Panel of Pa...
02/06/2026

Yesterday marked the opening of the Oslo Freedom Forum 2026 ( ): Dismantling dictatorship.
The International Panel of Parliamentarians is glad to be part of this important space, bringing together individuals who have faced persecution, imprisonment, and violence, yet continue to stand up for fundamental rights and freedoms.

This year, we are particularly encouraged to see greater attention given to freedom of religion or belief ( ), a right too often overlooked, yet deeply intertwined with many human rights violations worldwide.

Two powerful sessions highlighted this: Indian journalist Supriya Sharma addressing rising extremism despite constitutional protections, and Nigerian journalist Steven Kefas speaking about religious violence and persecution in the Middle Belt of Nigeria.

We are proud to see and continue to play a leading role in creating spaces where these critical issues are brought to light and addressed.



Looking forward to Day 2!

Can expressing who you are, or what you believe, be punished as a crime?In many countries, blasphemy laws are used to si...
01/06/2026

Can expressing who you are, or what you believe, be punished as a crime?
In many countries, blasphemy laws are used to silence people for expressing views on religion—often affecting those whose identities or perspectives challenge the norm.
Freedom of religion or belief includes the right to question, express, and live authentically, without fear.
🏳️‍🌈 This Pride Month, we highlight the importance of protecting freedom of expression and belief for everyone.
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