Pontifical Organization ACN Issues Urgent Petition Calling on World Leaders to Protect Religious Freedom
The Pontifical Catholic organization, Aid to the Church in Need, founded
in 1947, has issued a petition urging the United Nations, leaders of democratic governments, and the Council of Europe to protect religious freedom. A Global Call for Religious Freedom:
Petition Text:
We, the undersigned, raise our voices to call for the urgent protection and continued promotion of the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion worldwide, as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, which states:
We, the undersigned, raise our voices to call for the urgent protection and continued promotion of the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion worldwide, as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, which states:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right
includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in
community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in
teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
Yet, in many parts of the world we continue to witness severe violations of this fundamental human right.
Today, according to the ACN Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025, some 5.2 billion people — almost two-thirds of humanity — live in 60 countries where there is persecution, oppression, and discrimination perpetrated by the state and/or non-state actors.
Members of almost every religious group, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims, have suffered discrimination (especially, but not only, in the workplace and school), physical violence, arrest, abduction, sexual abuse — and have even been killed — for simply wanting to live out their faith.
--- 1 Religious groups are listed in alphabetical order. This grave human rights crisis can no longer be ignored. In the name of human dignity, we therefore appeal to all countries to implement Article 18 in full. Specifically, we call on:
1. International institutions and democratic governments to: - Publicly condemn all forms of religious persecution. - Make religious freedom a priority in foreign policy and diplomatic relations. - Enforce appropriate measures against regimes that repeatedly violate this fundamental right.
- Take concrete steps, including educational and legal initiatives, to prevent violations, ensure the edective protection of this right, and promote the socioeconomic development of religious minorities.
2. At-risk religious communities to be granted protection, especially in countries sudering from sectarian violence or religious extremism. This is aimed at preventing forced migration, thereby enabling communities to stay in their ancestral homes and lands.
3. Individuals and groups sudering religious persecution to receive the emergency and legal aid they need.
"Religious Freedom is not a privilege. It is a human right. Please sign this petition and stand up for this, our fundamental human right.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS A HUMAN RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE
Sign ACN's petition
We are witnessing a human rights emergency on a global scale.
Be a voice for the voiceless today and stop the atrocity of
religious persecution.
Stand up for the right to believe and sign the petition for
religious freedom.
ACN will bring every signature to the highest international stages
—including the UN, the EU, governments, diplomats and
international decision-makers —to ensure your voice is heard.
Yet, in many parts of the world we continue to witness severe violations of this fundamental human right.
Today, according to the ACN Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025, some 5.2 billion people — almost two-thirds of humanity — live in 60 countries where there is persecution, oppression, and discrimination perpetrated by the state and/or non-state actors.
Members of almost every religious group, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims, have suffered discrimination (especially, but not only, in the workplace and school), physical violence, arrest, abduction, sexual abuse — and have even been killed — for simply wanting to live out their faith.
--- 1 Religious groups are listed in alphabetical order. This grave human rights crisis can no longer be ignored. In the name of human dignity, we therefore appeal to all countries to implement Article 18 in full. Specifically, we call on:
1. International institutions and democratic governments to: - Publicly condemn all forms of religious persecution. - Make religious freedom a priority in foreign policy and diplomatic relations. - Enforce appropriate measures against regimes that repeatedly violate this fundamental right.
- Take concrete steps, including educational and legal initiatives, to prevent violations, ensure the edective protection of this right, and promote the socioeconomic development of religious minorities.
2. At-risk religious communities to be granted protection, especially in countries sudering from sectarian violence or religious extremism. This is aimed at preventing forced migration, thereby enabling communities to stay in their ancestral homes and lands.
3. Individuals and groups sudering religious persecution to receive the emergency and legal aid they need.
"Religious Freedom is not a privilege. It is a human right. Please sign this petition and stand up for this, our fundamental human right.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS A HUMAN RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE
Sign ACN's petition
No one should have to choose between their faith and their life.
Yet, 5.4 billion people, almost two-thirds of humanity, live in
countries where individuals and communities continue to
face harassment, violence, and even death because of their
beliefs.
We are witnessing a human rights emergency on a global scale.
Be a voice for the voiceless today and stop the atrocity of
religious persecution.
Stand up for the right to believe and sign the petition for
religious freedom.
ACN will bring every signature to the highest international stages
—including the UN, the EU, governments, diplomats and
international decision-makers —to ensure your voice is heard.
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