The International Ministerial Conference to promote freedom of religion or belief was hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office from Tuesday 5 July to Wednesday 6 July in London.
The Role of Civil Society
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The Conference, hosted and organised by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) brought together government, civil society, faith and belief groups to agree action to promote freedom of religion or belief internationally.
Information on the Ministerial Conference can be found here.
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Global Civil Society has played an increasing role in FoRB, and this is recognised by governments around the world. The UK FoRB Forum, as one of the leading platforms for FoRB advocacy in the UK, convened civil society engagement with and around the Ministerial conference, via a dedicated programme, also called ‘FoRB Fringe’
The UK FoRB Forum nor any of its stakeholders represent the official Ministerial Conference or its organisers. The programme of Fringe activities, both those that took place at the Conference venue and outside of it, were fully organised by independent civil society organisations and do not represent the official Ministerial Conference content or views other than those of their speakers.
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Civil society organisations hosted events in London and around the UK in the lead-up to, and during, the conference, as part of a broad Civil Society programme surrounding the official Ministerial conference.
The UK FoRB Forum coordinated and convened the delivery of this programme. Find it here.
Please note the Civil Society programme (FoRB Fringe) is organised by independent civil society organisations, and it does not represent the UK government or any of the Ministers and official agencies hosting the Ministerial Conference.
The FoRB Pledge
Signing the London FoRB Fringe Pledge
The organisers of the London FoRB Fringe are encouraging all guests and participants to sign the London FoRB Fringe Pledge.
As Civil Society leaders, we are encouraging all governments to appoint a Special Ambassador/Envoy to advance the cause of freedom around the world. We wish to see these posts established in law, with appointees answerable to the Prime Minister or respective head of government or state. The Office of the Special Ambassador/Envoy should be adequately resourced to enable the postholder to fully carry out their duties and ensure that their own government is at the forefront of this vital international movement to advance the freedom of religion or belief.