Religious Freedom Under Threat: 4 Billion People Affected, Says IPPFoRB Director - Faith & Freedom News

Global Religious Freedom Under Threat: 4 Billion People Affected, Says IPPFoRB Director

Nearly 4 billion people live in countries where severe violations of freedom of religion or belief occur, making it one of the most violated human rights globally.

Ms. Fernanda San Martin Carrasco

Director of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB), a global network representing over 400 parliamentarians from 90 countries across all continents. The organization was founded in November 2014 when 20 parliamentarians signed the Oslo Charter at the Nobel Peace Center, committing to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

From Women’s Rights to Religious Freedom

In an exclusive interview with The European Times during her Brussels mission in June, Carrasco revealed how her journey began in women’s rights advocacy, where she consistently encountered a troubling contradiction: religious freedom being weaponized against gender equality.

“I noticed a recurring tension in public discourse: the idea that freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) was somehow at odds with women’s rights,” Carrasco explained. “From my professional background, I knew that human rights are interdependent and indivisible—no right should ever be used to justify the violation of another.”

400+

Parliamentarians from 90 countries working to protect religious freedom

IPPFoRB operates across North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania, including Members of the European Parliament, overseen by a diverse Steering Group and supported by a full-time Secretariat based in Oslo.

Political Journey and Transformation

Carrasco’s path to IPPFoRB leadership began with grassroots activism in Bolivia. After founding a civic movement defending democratic principles, she entered politics as an independent candidate in 2009, co-founded a political party in 2013, and was elected to Parliament in 2015.

During her parliamentary term until 2020, she chaired the Gender Rights Committee, advancing legislative work on gender equality and human rights. Her discovery of IPPFoRB came through a transformative UN Commission on the Status of Women event in New York, where she heard Dr. Nazila Ghanea present a USCIRF report on synergies between religious freedom and gender equality.

What drives me is the belief that we can—and must—build inclusive societies where all human rights are respected and upheld. The intersection of FoRB and gender equality is complex, but it’s also full of potential for transformative change.

— Fernanda San Martin Carrasco, IPPFoRB Director

Global Assessment: Regional Challenges and Progress

When asked about the evolution of religious freedom over the past 15 years, Carrasco provided a comprehensive regional analysis highlighting both progress and persistent challenges across continents.

🌍 Africa

Growing recognition of FoRB through regional bodies like the African Union, but violations persist in conflict zones. Religious minorities face marginalization in education, employment, and political representation, with many countries lacking robust constitutional safeguards.

🌏 Asia

Severe crackdowns in Myanmar and China contrasted with civil society progress in Indonesia and Philippines. Blasphemy laws and anti-conversion legislation target religious minorities, while AI and social media amplify hate speech and suppress dissent.

🌎 Americas

Constitutional protection exists across the continent, but enforcement varies. Latin America shows increasing recognition of gendered religious persecution, with women facing “double persecution” based on faith and gender. Polarization and weaponized religious rhetoric undermine pluralism.

🇪🇺 European Union

Well-established legal principles with maturing jurisprudence through Strasbourg and Luxembourg courts. However, implementation remains inconsistent across member states, with some leaders instrumentalizing FoRB for identity politics, risking alienation of minority communities.

Key Global Challenges

Rising authoritarianism and digital repression targeting religious communities
Hate speech and identity-based politics undermining religious pluralism
Blasphemy laws enabling selective enforcement and systemic discrimination
Gender-based religious persecution affecting women disproportionately
Inadequate protection mechanisms struggling to keep pace with emerging threats

Looking Forward: Building Momentum

Despite challenges, Carrasco emphasized reasons for hope: “The work of IPPFoRB, civil society organizations, and supportive governments has contributed to meaningful progress and increased awareness. New actors have stepped up to protect and advance FoRB, helping to sustain momentum in the face of change.”

She stressed the critical importance of continued vigilance: “While its impact can be difficult to measure, we must not allow this essential right to slip from the top of the international agenda. Continued vigilance, collaboration, and policy innovation are essential to protect this foundational right.”

Contact Information:
Ms. Fernanda San Martin Carrasco can be reached at: fsm@ippforb.com

For more information about IPPFoRB: ippforb.com

Source: The European Times