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Within the European Union, the basic human right of Freedom of Religion or Belief is seen as common knowledge and anchored in the constitutions of most member states. Nevertheless a look at the bigger picture shows that religious freedom is at risk in 60% of the world's countries, whereby 80% of the persecuted are Christians.

In times of ISIS, Boko Haram and many other fanatic religious movements, it is more important than ever for the European Union to protect the human right of religious freedom with an internal and external perspective. All different kinds of faith exist in this world and should be able to coexist amongst each other in peace. One significant step towards that was the adaptation of the resolution that the European Parliament published in February 2016: The decimation of religious minorities by the ISIS is officially a genocide.

The aim of this conference is to find ways to further secure Freedom of Religion or Belief where it already exists, but also to implement, establish and improve it in countries and areas where Christians and others still get persecuted for their believes. What should be the European Union’s answer on the ongoing discrimination and persecution of Christians in the world? Further, how can the European Union have a positive impact on implementing the right of Freedom of Religion and Belief all over the world? What concrete actions can be taken to initiate a constructive dialogue about the acceptance of religious freedom outside the EU?