Brazilian social media commentator defending free speech in Brazil
Continue readingNine Borges: Brazil
Nicki Gaylard: Australia
Mother of six, Nicki Gaylard, is considering legal action against the Department of Education following a presentation that exposed Year 9 girls – including her daughter, aged 14 – to highly inappropriate and explicit sexual content without parental knowledge or consent.
Continue readingTehmina Arora
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY, Asia
Continue readingSomalia (52th Session)
This report outlines concerns regarding the protection of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in Somalia. In particular, it highlights laws prohibiting the peaceful propagation of minority religions, the criminalization of offenses to religion, and the vulnerability of Christians, particularly converts, who face discrimination and violence at the hands of militant groups as well as communities.
Continue readingSingapore (52th Session)
This submission outlines concerns regarding Singapore’s restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. These concerns stem from specific legal frameworks, including the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, Societies Act, Penal Code, Undesirable Publications Act, and Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). In ADF International’s analysis, several provisions within these laws are inconsistent with Singapore’s human rights obligations.
Continue readingEstonia (52th Session)
This report highlights the incompatibility of Bill 232 SE on Amendments to the Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure (hereinafter ‘hate speech bill’) with Estonia’s obligations regarding the right to freedom of opinion and expression under international law. Additionally, it examines recent developments concerning assisted suicide and underscores the urgent need for Estonia to fulfill its obligation to respect and protect the right to life, as enshrined in core international human rights treaties.
Continue readingDenmark (52th Session)
This report highlights the prevalence and normalization of disability-selective abortion in Denmark, particularly in cases involving children diagnosed with Down syndrome, and the underlying discriminatory stereotypes that undermine the equal value of persons with disabilities. It also addresses emerging threats to freedom of expression posed by the criminalization of
Continue readingBelgium (52th Session)
This report highlights the alarming rise in euthanasia cases in Belgium and the ever-broadening interpretation of relevant legislation. The country’s approach continues to expand, now considering eligibility for persons affected by dementia, despite persistent gaps in the availability of palliative care. These developments undermine Belgium’s obligations to protect the rights to life and to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Continue readingSamson Family: Sweden
The two eldest daughters of Christian couple, Daniel and Bianca Samson, were seized by Swedish child protection services after the eldest made a false report at school—triggered by her parents’ refusal to allow her a mobile phone and the use of makeup—a claim she later retracted, but nonetheless prompted allegations of “religious extremism” from the state.
Continue readingLebanon (51th Session)
This report provides an overview of the situation of freedom of religion or belief in Lebanon, with a particular focus on the treatment of Christians and other religious minorities, ex-Muslim converts, and refugees. It further argues that the country’s anti-blasphemy and defamation of religion legislation is incompatible with its obligations under international human rights law.
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