“This meeting is held at a critical moment. Freedom of religion or belief is currently one of the most threatened and at the same time the most neglected freedoms, which is why it is vital for us to relentlessly continue to take effective actions to protect it,” stressed Minister Czaputowicz in his address at the inauguration.

The head of the Polish MFA also pointed out that over the last years Poland has significantly increased its active involvement in promoting this issue. It was on Poland’s initiative that the UN General Assembly designated 22 August as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. It should be noted that the International Religious Freedom Alliance brings together countries representing various continents and religious beliefs. Moreover, strengthening freedom of religion or belief, including protection of rights of people belonging to religious minority groups, is among the priorities of Poland’s membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2020-2022 term.

The Religious Freedom Alliance is an international initiative which aims at major engagement and fostering a greater awareness of the extent of persecution based on religion or belief worldwide. At the same time, its objective is to promote lobbying for religious freedom – particularly among countries violating these rights.

According to the joint statement by Poland and the US (published on 5 February 2020 and available here), on 14-16 July 2020 Poland will host the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. Warsaw-based, it will be the third edition of the conference, following two ministerials organised by the US Department of State that have been the biggest world events on freedom of religion to date. Apart from representatives of government delegates and religious leaders, the organisers are planning to invite representatives of non-governmental organisations, civil society, and international organisations to attend the conference and take part in discussion. “The overarching aim of the event will be to advance discussion on persecution, the need for interreligious dialogue, and building a strategy and promotion in the broadest possible context,” stressed the chief of Polish diplomacy.

While in Washington, D.C., Minister Czaputowicz will also take part in the National Prayer Breakfast. Hosted by a Christian organization The Fellowship Foundation, this annual event is held on the first Thursday in February. It brings together influential representatives of political and business circles who come to Washington, D.C. to pray together with the President of the United States.

MFA Press Office