What is persecution and what are the causes of violations of religious freedom?
Unfortunately, there are many ways in which people are persecuted for practicing their faith.
In more extreme cases, persecution takes the form of violence and in some cases mass atrocities such as torture and murder. North Korea is the most difficult place to openly practice as a Christian. Christians in smaller African nations which have Islamic majority populations and experienced the rise of extremist groups, have also experienced harassment, persecution and violence, such as in the State of Eritrea.
Persecution may also take the form of restrictions around civic participation. For example, if someone from an Islamic country converts to Christianity, it may be interpreted as bringing shame to the family. There are instances where the family attempts to convert the person back through harsh processes. It may manifest in a woman who is unable to leave the home, or participate in education unless they memorise the Quran, or is forcibly married to a man of Islamic faith.
In countries like Australia, persecution is more covert. It may be that someone feels that they cannot express their opinions on issues like abortion for fear of being targeted for their beliefs. Social media has demonstrated many instances of discrimination of this kind.
Causes of religious persecution remain vast and complex.
The major causes of religious persecution remain intolerance and discrimination.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance identified seven categories of violations which include;
- Non-discrimination in matters of religion and belief
- The principle of toleration in matters of religion and belief
- Freedom of thought, conscience and religion and belief
- The freedom to dispose of religious property
- The physical integrity and health of religious persons and the faithful, and
- The basic human rights of women, through the imposition of religious laws.[1]
Extremist ideology and the rise and solidification of power in authoritarian regimes remain an enduring cause. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the occurrences of religious hostility.
Australia
Whilst Australia is a secular nation, there are a range of human rights mechanisms in place to protect the ability for people to practice their religion. It is acknowledged that, whilst not perfect, Australia has a proven record on the protection of freedom of religion and belief and despite the decline of Christian standards, Australia has a “good record as a tolerant nation”.[2]
In recent years, the Australian government has made representations concerning persecution occurring in different parts of the world, such as;
- Christians in India and Pakistan,
- Catholics and Buddhists in Vietnam, Christians in China, and Sudan.[3]
Strengthening human rights protections is core to protecting religious freedom, and the Australian government has provided financial contributions, as well as supporting the creation of regional democratic institutions in the Asia-Pacific region.[4]
Authorised by George Christensen, Mackay for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party.