Religion

Religion, Culture And Tradition: No Excuse For Violence

All over the world, diverse groups use arguments based on anti-rights interpretations of religion, culture and tradition to justify violence and discrimination. This publication from AWID highlights agreements that affirm the universal and interconnected nature of human rights. It can be used by human rights advocates to challenge state and non-state actors attempting to block the development, progress and protection of laws at all levels.

To read the publication please download the pdf.

Report of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, Human Rights Council 28th Session

Summary

Violence committed “in the name of religion”, that is, on the basis of or arrogated to religious tenets of the perpetrator, can lead to massive violations of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.

Secularism at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa's secular states: the challenges for Senegal and Mali

Secularism is being challenged in several Sub-Saharan African states which have long guarded it as a principle of governance. Its preservation is important for the protection of women's rights from religious interventions.

Progressive Muslims in a world of ISIS and Islamophobes

‘There is such a strong desire on the part of many of us to make clear that “I am not ISIS. I am not like those crazies,”’ according to Ani Zonneveld, founder of Muslims for Progressive Values. She explains the struggle to organize progressive Muslim communities and institutions in a fight back in the era of ISIS, in conversation with Karima Bennoune.

Cote d'Ivoire: La loi sur l’égalité dans le mariage suscite la controverse.

ABIDJAN, 5 décembre 2012 (IRIN) - L’adoption par le Parlement ivoirien d’une loi sur l’égalité au sein des couples mariés a provoqué la colère de certains habitants, notamment parmi les plus religieux. Selon eux, cette loi va créer plus de problèmes au sein des foyers qu’elle ne va en résoudre.

Afghanistan: Catholic women calling US policies in Afghanistan morally repugnant, urge full participation of Afghan women in new government

In a Letter to U.S. Government and Roman Catholic Church Leaders, Women-Church Convergence, declares "present policies unworthy of a great nation dedicated to democracy, justice and freedom under God."

Worldwide: Tell the Vatican to stand up for women