The debate was opened by MFA’s Secretary of State Piotr Wawrzyk. While thanking everyone for their attendance, Minister Wawrzyk noted that governments, non-governmental organisations as well as other entities should unite in defending the right to freedom of religion or belief even more.

The first session on the protection of freedom of religion or belief in times of the COVID-19 pandemic was attended by Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Gayle Manchin representing the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, and David Harris, Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee. The meeting was hosted by Thomas Garrett, Secretary General of the Community of Democracies. The participants answered questions about priorities and actions that states and non-governmental organisations can take to protect and promote the freedom of religion or belief when faced with challenges connected with fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The second session, organised by the Polish Institute of International Affairs, focused on the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and sustainable development. Its participants discussed the ways members of religious communities can contribute to achieving development goals  specified in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while, on the other hand, enjoying the participation in the development objectives that had already been accomplished.

The third session, devoted to the links between ensuring freedom of religion or belief and security, was conducted by a representative of the Warsaw-based Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The discussions focused on how cooperation between various international actors can add up to both religious freedom and security as interdependent and complementary goals, rather than competing with one another as it is sometimes believed.

Over 3,000 civil society and religious organisations from all over the world were invited to follow the discussions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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