Activities

Ukrainian Supreme Court rules on objections to military service on religious grounds

On May 8, the Ukrainian Supreme Court confirmed the appeal court’s ruling about Dmitry Zelinsky’s conscientious objections to military service on religious grounds. The Supreme Court of Ukraine ruled that conscientious objectors will not only have to prove that they belong to a religious organisation, but also that they have deep spiritual convictions.

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U.S. Religious Freedom Report 2024 - Europe

On May 1, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom released its Annual Report 2024, which highlights a number of worrisome developments around the world. According to the U.S. monitoring, conditions worsened in 10 countries, remained the same in 18, and improved in only one. While mainly focusing on the global situation and those countries that are of particular concern regarding persecution on religious grounds, the report also mentions concerning cases and developments in Europe.

France records almost 1,000 hate crimes against Christians in 2023

In an interview with the French Christian radio station fcr.fr the spokesperson of the French Ministry of Interior said that almost 1,000 anti-Christian hate crimes were recorded in 2023.

New Documentary by OIDAC Europe: "Self-Censored" (2024)

OIDAC Europe has produced a documentary that explores the topic of self-censorship. The film shows the experiences and thoughts of Christian university students in Europe, when trying to share their faith or live according to their beliefs in a highly secular environment. This project led to reflection on Christianity, society, freedom of speech, social media, and many other topics. The students also shared ideas for ways to encourage open conversations and mutual respect among groups of individuals holding different opinions and beliefs.

OIDAC EUROPE'S ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 RELEASED

Today, on the International Day of Tolerance, OIDAC Europe presents its new Annual Report 2022/23. The report finds an increase of anti-Christian hate crimes by 44% over the last year. Arson attacks on churches increased even by 75% between 2021 and 2022. OIDAC Europe’s annual report also found legal discrimination against Christians who expressed traditional Christian worldviews.

Hundreds Gather to Demand Justice for Victims of Religious Persecution in Bern

The Bundesplatz in Bern was filled with 500 wooden crosses, 1,000 roses, and a long list of names of victims of religious persecution on the 9. July. This was organized by the Working Group for Religious Freedom of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance SEA. They want to show solidarity with the more than 5,000 Christians worldwide who die because of their faith. And they warn that the number of people persecuted for their faith across different religions is increasing. Still, the organizers want to also communicate hope for the future.

Religious Freedom in Danger if a Russian Invasion of Ukraine would succeed

In the light of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, experts and human rights activists are concerned for religious freedom. They fear religious minorities will face the same human rights violations as in Russian controlled areas. Religious groups suffer discrimination in Crimea and the pro-Russian controlled areas of Luhansk and Donetsk.

New OSCE Hate Crime Report Documented 980 Anti-Christian Incidents

Hate Crimes against Christians in Europe increased by 70%

Newsletter: Nantes Arson Update; Fundamental Rights at Risk in Malta and Scotland

Observatory in the News: Headlines & Links

Newsletter - Nantes Cathedral Fire & Recent Incidents In France

Europe and the challenge of religious freedom

Newsletter - European Commission Terminates Religious Freedom Envoy Mandate

Newsletter - Freedom of Religion & COVID-19 Restrictions in Europe

Van Maren Show Interview

Our Executive Director discusses the Observatory's work with Jonathon Van Maren.

Newsletter - UN Report Attacks Religious Freedom

Newsletter: UN Report Attacks Religious Freedom and other news

The Holy See slams UN Report on religious freedom

The Holy See has attacked the latest UN report on religious freedom. Decrying particularly the document's many references to gender ideology, the Holy See called the language a sort of "ideological colonization on the part of some States and international institution." The Holy See said the Report is an "attack to religious freedom."

Switzerland Votes to Expand Hate Crime Law

On February 9, 2020, Swiss voters approved the addition of sexual orientation to the existing anti-discrimination legislation to the penal code. Christian groups have called the expansion of the hate crime law to include sexual orientation "superfluous," noting that existing laws offered sufficient protection and that the new law could be used to attack religious freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of conscience.