About > What Is Forb? > Threats to FoRB

 
 

Threats to FoRB

A social, political and legal culture of freedom of religion or belief is essential to building peace, stability and democracy. Religious freedom is important in itself in fostering identity and community, is closely connected with the protection of other civil and political rights, can contribute positively to a democratization process and a strong civil society, and correlates strongly with the economic development of a country and the socio-economic well-being of its people.

At the same time, violations of freedom of religion or belief are closely connected with and threaten other civil and political rights. Over three-quarters of the world’s population live in countries where freedom of religion or belief is heavily restricted by the state or with high levels of social hostilities related to religion, such as hate crimes, mob violence or religion related terrorism. The effects can be devastating for individuals and communities and affect people of all faiths and none. 

 
Government restrictions involving religion increase in Americas in 2016, but still lower than other regions
Social hostilities involving religion still relatively high in Middle East despite decline in 2016