The Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief

The mission of the Oslo Coalition is to promote the freedom of religion or belief as a common good for everyone in every society.

Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria. A mountain in the background, forests surrounding.

Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria. Photo credit: Pieter Cronje

It does so by:

  • Facilitating discursive space for scholars, religious leaders, civil servants, experts and activists in the exploration of contemporary FORB-related topics.
  • The publications of scientific research and resource materials for those working to advance FORB.
  • Teaching and competence building on FORB in cooperation with partners.

Recognizing and realizing the right to FORB

In many countries of the world a major trend is the increasing importance of religion in politics. The situation for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB) is more precarious than ever. This situation has consequences both for the majority and minorities and sets the tone for communication on social, cultural and political discourse, to which questions pertaining to FORB are profoundly linked.  Many burning questions are at stake, questions that are fundamental to FORB and hotly debated all over the world. 

Recognition and realisation of the right to FORB according to international HR standards depends upon a number of factors. Two remedial factors are the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of International Human Rights, and the relief of possible perceived tensions between religious identity and interpretation on the one hand and international HR standards on the other. The Oslo Coalition of Freedom of Religion or Belief (OC) gives special attention to these factors.

The Oslo Coalition and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights

The OC is responsible for the Freedom of Religion or Belief section of the international programme at the NCHR. OC relies on an international network of representatives from religious and other life-stance communities, NGOs, international organisations and research institutes, and also on its Advisory Council.

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Published Nov. 1, 2021 9:30 AM - Last modified Jan. 31, 2023 1:06 PM