Erosion of Muslim Rights and Freedoms in India Internet Shutdown – India holds the dubious distinction of leading the world in internet shutdowns for the 6th consecutive year . In August 2019, the Indian government completely blocked all communication networks in the Indian Administered Jammu and Kashmir, including landlines, fixed line internet and mobile networks. The authorities sought to prevent Kashmiris from organizing protests after the government revoked the state’s constitutional autonomous status, splitting it into two separate federally governed territories. Denying access to the in ..read more

CAP Freedom of Conscience July 2024 The European Union has enforced sanctions, on individuals and groups connected to acts of gender based violence. This action was taken by the Council of the European Union as part of efforts to address violations of rights. The decision involves the identification of four individuals and two entities under the EUs Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. These measures were put in place due to their roles in perpetrating gender based violence. Implemented on July 22 2024 these sanctions are aimed at those for offenses across different parts of the world. Those ..read more

Submission Persecution of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Egypt Since their implantation in Egypt in 2012, members of a new religious movement in Islam, self-named “The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light,” have been the victims of state repression, social hostility, death threats by extremist imams for being considered heretics. Arrests, inhuman treatment during police interrogations and their detention, prosecution threats on blasphemy charges and disruption of public order were the common characteristics of the persecution in most cases. What is the community of the Ahmadi Religion ..read more

A recent study commissioned by the OSCE Representative, on Freedom of the Media has revealed the connections between media freedom, democracy and global and local security. The detailed research document, crafted by a team from the Varieties of Democracy Institute at the University of Gothenburg presents evidence on why safeguarding media freedom is vital for upholding peace and stability within and among nations. The report kicks off by shedding light on alarming trends of diminishing democracy and media freedom. Describing the state as a ‘third wave of autocratization’ it points out that glo ..read more

Geneva, Switzerland – On July 5, a side  event, “Combating Islamophobia in Asia: From Awareness to Action,” was held at the United  Nations  Human  Rights  Council‘s (UNHRC) 56th Session to address the threats of Islamophobia in Asia, with a focus on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) persecution of Uyghur Muslims. The event was co-organized by  CAP  Liberté  de Conscience,  Campaign  for  Uyghurs  (CFU), and the  Center  for  Uyghur  Studies. This event coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Urumchi&n ..read more

CAP Freedom of Conscience July 2024 In todays interconnected world the connections, between climate change, conflict and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) are becoming more evident and urgent. A recent policy brief from Search for Common Ground underscores the importance for decision makers and practitioners to acknowledge and tackle these intersections in order to promote solutions and community resilience. The document titled “Climate Change Conflict and Freedom of Religion and Belief” stresses that climate change is not a concern but a factor that amplifies conflicts and poses a threat t ..read more

Human Rights Council56th regular session of the Human Rights Council18 June 2024 – 12 July 2024Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience We urgently draw your attention to the ongoing genocide against the Amhara people in Ethiopia, a crisis ignored by this council and its member states. Amhara women face catastrophic realities, including trafficking, gang rape, torture, and witnessing the brutal killings of their loved ones. They have been looted, abducted, insulted, and humiliated by Oromo extremists, the Ethiopian government, and the TPLF. The internati ..read more

France has always taken pride in its dedication to secularism and religious freedom as outlined in the principle of laïcité. However upon inspection of the nation’s treatment of religious groups particularly those linked to Hinduism and yoga practices, a troubling pattern of intolerance and bias emerges. A report[i] by CAP LC (Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience) has brought to light Frances concerning stance towards these practices. The report, titled “Spirituality, Yoga and France; Finding a Balance ” outlines how the government has attempted to ma ..read more

In a comprehensive report released today, the Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), a non-governmental organization with ECOSOC consultative status at the United Nations, has detailed its unwavering efforts to promote and defend the universal principles of freedom of conscience, religion, and belief throughout the past year. The report highlights CAP LC’s extensive engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council, including its participation in the 52nd, 53rd, and 54th sessions, where the organization addressed a wide range of human ri ..read more

We cordially invite you to attend the 56th Session Human Rights Council Side Event on “Countering Islamophobia in Asia: From Awareness to Action” on Friday, 5 July 2024, from 13:00 to 14:00 in Room XXV at the Palais des Nations. In recent years, the rise of Islamophobia in Asia has emerged as a critical challenge to religious freedom and human rights across the region. This side event aims to transform dialogue into dedicated action, highlighting effective strategies and fostering international cooperation to address and mitigate Islamophobia. The objective of this event is to elevate the disc ..read more