Summary

In this report, the Special Rapporteur addresses gender-based violence and discrimination in the name of religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur provides emblematic cases of both phenomena and their impact on gender equality and freedom of religion or belief worldwide. He explores freedom of religion or belief and non-discrimination as two and mutually reinforcing rights and clarifies the existing international legal framework that governs their intersection. He concludes by emphasizing the responsibility of States to creating enabling environments to advance the non-discrimination and freedom of religion of belief rights of women, girls and LGBT+ persons.

Additional information

• Press Release of the report: States should not use religious beliefs to justify women and LGBT+ rights violations – UN expert.
• The Special Rapporteur’s statement to the Human Rights Council (PDF).
• Video presentation of the report to the 15^th meeting of the 43^rd Session of the Human Rights Council.
• Video presentation of the report to the 16^th meeting of the 43^rd Session of the Human Rights Council.
• UN News: Use of religious beliefs to justify rights violations must be outlawed says UN expert.