What is “Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience” (CAP Freedom of Conscience)?
CAP Freedom of Conscience is a secular European NGO with United Nations Consultative Status, created in 1995 and dedicated to protect the Right of Freedom of Religion and Belief.
CAP Freedom of Conscience combats all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief by alerting European and International bodies.
CAP Freedom of Conscience collects testimonies of discrimination and human rights violations affecting religious or belief communities in order to disseminate them to international bodies, and in order to raise awareness and inform them as well as to generate debate on the protection of Freedom of Religion and Belief.
CAP Freedom of Conscience also advocates for any religious or spiritual group facing discrimination to have their right to Freedom of Religion and Belief recognized.
CAP Freedom of Conscience is a member of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB), European Network Of Religion and Belief (ENORB) and participate to the Civil Society Platform of Fundamental Rights created by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency DAFOH Partners in Combating and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting
UN Commission of Inquiry Reveals Grave Human Rights Violations in Ukraine, Highlights Kidnapping of Children by Russian Forces
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council, has released a comprehensive report detailing the extensive human rights violations and war crimes committed by Russian authorities during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The report sheds light on the widespread use of torture, wilful killings, sexual violence, and the alarming issue of children being kidnapped and transferred from Ukraine to Russia.
UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman Sheds Light on Human Rights Concerns in Iran
In a recent statement, Javaid Rehman, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, has brought attention to the ongoing human rights issues in the country. Rehman’s work focuses on investigating and reporting on the state of human rights in Iran, and his latest findings paint a concerning picture.
HRC 55 Oral Statement Item 3 Attention Required: Drone Attacks on Amhara and Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Attention Required: Drone Attacks on Amhara and Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
HRC 55 Written Statement : Racial and Ethnic-based violence and discrimination against Ethiopia’s Amhara
CAP LC’s statement highlights the longstanding issue of marginalization and conflict experienced by various ethnic groups in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on the recent alleged massacre of civilians in the Amhara region. The organization reports on the Ethiopian government’s use of drone strikes in the region following the declaration of a state of emergency in August 2023, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.
Immediate Attention Required: Drone Attacks on Amhara Region and Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Ethiopia’s Amhara region has been the target of over 100 drone attacks from August 2023 to January 2024. These attacks, acknowledged by Ethiopian Defence Chief FM Berhahu Jula, have resulted in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The use of drones, reportedly sponsored by the UAE and originating from various countries, including Turkey, Iran, and China, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. The attacks have targeted civilian areas, including residences, schools, hospitals, marketplaces, and religious sites, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives and widespread injuries. Despite Ethiopia’s international commitments to protect civilians during times of conflict, the government’s actions have blatantly violated these agreements and exacerbated the already dire situation in the Amhara region.
Written Statement HRC 55 Violation of the Democratic Principles and Misuse of Tax Laws to Discriminate against Spiritual Groups
The written statement submitted to the Human Rights Council by Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience highlights the issue of discrimination against religious and spiritual groups through the misuse of tax laws in several countries. It points out that tax exemptions, which should be universally available to such groups, are instead used as tools of discrimination, particularly against movements deemed unpopular or labeled as “cults.” The statement references specific instances in France and Japan where religious groups faced such discrimination.
CAP Freedom of Conscience involvement in Europe
Assessing China’s Governance and Human Rights Landscape/ Invite
BRUSSELS CONFERENCE
Assessing China’s Governance and Human Rights Landscape
Our heritage is not preceded by a testament
Hannah Arendt quotes an aphorism by René Char (published in Feuillets d’Hypnos in 1946). “During the Resistance, a generation of European writers and men of letters created, in the political vacuum created by the collapse of the old system, a distinct public sphere, a bare space in which freedom could appear. But this opportunity did not last long. This treasure, which had appeared unexpectedly under mysterious circumstances, was soon lost. That generation was unable to give it a name. The history of revolutions was repeating itself.
Conference 13 Decembre – Façonner un monde de libertés : 75 ans d’héritage et d’impact de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme
Dans le cadre de la commémoration du 75e anniversaire de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme, un groupement d’Associations et d’ONG collaborant avec les Nations Unies organise une conférence en ligne les 11 et 12 décembre 2023 (en anglais) et le 13 décembre 2023 (en français). Cette conférence qui a pour thème « Façonner un monde de libertés : 75 ans d’héritage et d’impact de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme ! Comment les Droits de l’Homme façonneront-ils l’avenir ? », vise à explorer l’influence durable et la pertinence de cette Déclaration.
Information meeting on the UPR process in Azerbaijan
UPHOLDING UNIVERSAL COMMITMENTS:
Addressing the damaging impact of landmines on the enjoyment of human rights
Side event within the 44 session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Room XXII, E building, Palais des Nations, Geneva 13 November 2023 / 14.30-16.00
California for Tai Ji Men: Conscience, Justice and Freedom of Belief
California, the Golden State, is known for its stunning landscapes, thriving entertainment industry, and diverse culture. Beneath the surface of this multifaceted state lies another remarkable aspect of its diversity: religious pluralism. From the Spanish missions of the 18th century to the bustling metropolises of the 21st century, California’s religious landscape has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of faiths and beliefs.
Ahmadi Muslims in Germany who’ve fled state persecution are being deported back to Pakistan and it’s putting their lives at risk
Thousands of Ahmadi Muslims in Germany who have fled severe religious persecution in Pakistan are awaiting a decision on their asylum applications. They belong to a religiously and politically persecuted minority – the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. It is recognized around the world by human rights groups that Ahmadi Muslims are constantly, ruthlessly persecuted.