China (31st Session)

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ADF International is a global alliance-building legal organization that advocates for religious freedom, life, and marriage and family before national and international institutions. As well as having ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations (registered name “Alliance Defending Freedom”), ADF International has accreditation with the European Commission and Parliament, the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States, and is a participant in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform.

This report presents China’s increasing restrictions on religious organizations and religious activities and calls on China to revise its laws and policies to guarantee freedom of worship to all. It also explains how the two-child policy continues to prevent Chinese couples from deciding for themselves how many children to have, in violation of international law, and calls for the rescission of the policy.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (33rd Session)

North Korea

(33rd Session)

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A coalition of international organizations submits the following report focused on freedom of religion or belief. Several of these organizations maintain ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations. The information contained in this report was obtained through research and first-hand accounts from these organizations.

This report explains why North Korea must ensure that the right to freedom of religion is fully respected and protected within its borders, as well as prevent and end all forms of religious persecution by the State, including the imprisonment, torture and execution of Christians and those belonging to other religious groups.

Iraq (34th Session)

Iraq

(34th Session)

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ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. As well as having ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations (registered name ‘Alliance Defending Freedom’), ADF International has accreditation with the European Commission and Parliament, the Organization of American States, and is a participant in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform.

This report examines the legal and societal hostility towards religious minorities in Iraq with regard to anti-conversion laws and the violence shown towards individuals and their property. To comply with obligations under international law, Iraq must fully respect and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief within its borders and provide greater protection for Christian and other minorities.

Islamic Republic of Iran (34th Session)

Iran

(34th Session)

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ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. As well as having ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations (registered name ‘Alliance Defending Freedom’), ADF International has accreditation with the European Commission and Parliament, and the Organization of American States. ADF International is also a participant in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform.

This report explains why Iran must ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief is fully respected and protected within its borders, as well as prevent and end all forms of religious persecution by the State, including the imprisonment, torture and execution of Christians and other religious minorities.

Suriname (39th Session)

Suriname

(39th Session)

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ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. As well as having ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations (registered name “Alliance Defending Freedom”), ADF International has accreditation with the Organization of American States, the European Commission and Parliament, and is a participant in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform.

This report highlights Suriname’s failure to fully guarantee the rights to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. It also explains why the liberalisation of abortion access is not the solution to the issue of high levels of maternal mortality and morbidity in the country.

Tajikistan (39th Session)

Tajikistan

(39th Session)

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ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. As well as having ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations (registered name ‘Alliance Defending Freedom’), ADF International has accreditation with the European Commission and Parliament, and the Organization of American States. ADF International is also a participant in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform.

This report highlights the severe restrictions on freedom of religion in Tajikistan, including barriers to church registration, the unjustified monitoring of religious activities, censoring of religious materials and the prohibition of children from participating in religious activities. It also highlights the impact of the country’s laws and policies on combating extremism on both freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression.

Thailand (39th Session)

Thailand

(39th Session)

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ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people before national and international institutions. As well as having ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations (registered name “Alliance Defending Freedom”), ADF International has accreditation with the European Commission and Parliament, and the Organization of American States. ADF International is also a participant in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform.

This report outlines a variety of legal and practical challenges to the right to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in Thailand, especially for religious minorities. Additionally, in light of the recently amended abortion law and the surrounding social pressure, it highlights the challenges with underage pregnancy and the importance of preserving the right to life of the unborn.

Censorship Zones

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A censorship zone sets out a defined area around an abortion facility that prevents citizens from engaging in otherwise legal activities within it. Prohibited activities range from the use of amplification equipment to assembling in a group, or even praying quietly alone. Censorship zones around abortion facilities can range from 100 – 800 meters in circumference and are usually intended to prevent any contact between citizens entering a facility and those engaging in pro-life activities.