ODIHR says..The power of digital technologies must be harnessed to counter hatred based on religion or belief

ODHIR Article

The Michael Trust is glad to see the continued work by ODHIR and OSCE on protection of religion and belief or non belief. In this latest press release they say..

"Digital technologies can play an integral role in celebrating and upholding freedom of religion or belief when harnessed for outreach and dialogue. At the same time, the rise in intolerant discourse and hate speech directed at religious or belief communities during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrates the risk of the digital space becoming a forum for incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence on grounds of religion or belief."

As a trust that has worked hard for over 30 years to protect the right to freedom of belief, including the right to change your belief. It has been sad to see the increase of digital platforms being used to single out and target minority faiths such as Jehovah's Witnesses. The MT is always grateful for the work done by the ODIHR. They further state in their article....


"Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that stipulates every human being has the right to have or to adopt a religion or belief, manifest it, convert to another religion or belief, or not believe at all. Cultural, religious and belief diversity are therefore at the heart of this universal human right. The primary responsibility for safeguarding human rights and combating intolerance and discrimination – both offline and online – rests with governments. However, religious or belief communities, as well as civil society organizations and indeed the social media companies themselves, have an important role to play in supporting the promotion and protection of human rights. Intolerance and hatred do not only undermine human rights, but generate mistrust and can eventually endanger social cohesion and security."

"ODIHR integrates digital technologies into its work to assist countries across the OSCE to uphold their commitments on freedom of religion or belief as well as tolerance and non-discrimination. ODIHR’s work in this area centres on the needs of victims to ensure that all religious or belief communities receive targeted assistance, support and protection that helps them when and where it is required."

Please ensure you read the full article from ODIHR here on this link..