European Court of Human Rights undermines free speech protections in Down syndrome ruling

The European Court of Human Rights has found inadmissible an application by Fondation Jérôme Lejeune claiming that the French Broadcasting Council’s designation of a Down syndrome video as not “a message of general interest” constituted unjust censorship. The Court’s failure to condemn the French authority’s treatment of Down syndrome voices stands in stark contrast to recent national decisions in Europe upholding freedom of expression.

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40 Days for Life group rejoices as court rules in favor of right to pray in the vicinity of abortion counseling facility

Pavica outside of the court

“Every human life is valuable and deserves protection. I am heartened that we will be able to resume our prayer vigils in support of women and their unborn children in the place where we think it makes the most sense. It is a great relief that the court has recognized our fundamental freedoms,” said Pavica Vojnović.

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Guatemala (42nd Session)

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Guatemala (42nd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. This submission raises concerns with Guatemala’s Law Against Femicide and other Forms of Violence Against Women, whose overbroad definition of ‘psychological violence’ opens the door to arbitrary and unjustified restrictions of freedom of expression. Furthermore, the report highlights the need to strengthen maternal health care, particularly in rural areas, to tackle Guatemala’s high maternal mortality rate while remaining steadfast in its commitment to protecting and promoting the right to life.

Sri Lanka (42nd Session)

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Sri Lanka (42nd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. This report outlines the continued lack of respect for the rights to freedom of religion or belief and expression in Sri Lanka. In particular, it raises serious concerns over laws and policies discriminating against religious minorities, as well as the lack of legal protection for non-coercive forms of proselytism. Furthermore, it addresses the grave impact of increasing mob violence and hostility towards religious minorities, including Christian and Muslim communities, and related impunity.

Pakistan (42nd Session)

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Pakistan (42nd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. This report highlights the ongoing violations of freedom of religion and expression in Pakistan resulting, inter alia, from laws criminalizing blasphemy and defamation as well as from the increasing social hostility and mob violence directed against persons belonging to religious minorities. It also draws attention to a worrying trend in abductions with the purpose of forced conversion of women and children, often in connection with a forced marriage.

Peru (42nd Session)

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Peru (42nd Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. This report highlights the burdensome restrictions on freedom of religion or belief imposed by the government in its attempts to curb the effects of the Covid-19 crisis. It also discusses why Peru should continue to respect the right to life and resist calls to liberalize its abortion laws amidst its high maternal mortality rate.