June 21, 2026

FoRB and Politics: Fernanda San Martin Carrasco on Religious Freedom Challenges and Progress (Part II)

September 3, 2025
60098

The European Times engaged in a discussion with Ms. Fernanda San Martin Carrasco, the Director of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB), regarding her dedication to FoRB and its global status.

During a mission in Brussels on June 12, Ms. San Martin Carrasco participated in the Roundtable Brussels-EU on Freedom of Religion or Belief attended by over 20 FoRB defenders. Here are key insights from the conversation:

Assistance to Parliamentarians: IPPFoRB is a unique platform offering cross-party and cross-regional support to parliamentarians advocating for FoRB. Facing global religious persecution, parliamentarians need tools, networks, and expert assistance to align laws with international human rights standards and to make governments accountable.

Network and Global Concern: With over 400 parliamentarians from 95 countries, IPPFoRB emphasizes that FoRB is a global issue. Engaging with countries facing high levels of conflict and persecution is crucial, but nations not experiencing severe violations often contribute significantly to FoRB advancement.

Challenges in the EU: Politicians often overlook FoRB, seeing it as peripheral. Challenges include politicization of religion, historical conflicts, restrictive laws, and lack of human rights literacy among parliamentarians. Effective approaches involve embedding FoRB within broader human rights and development agendas.

Contribution to the European Parliament: IPPFoRB offers valuable experiences and high-level trainings that can inform the Intergroup’s policy recommendations. Facilitating regional academies and workshops can amplify the Intergroup’s influence.

Collaboration and Impact: Recognizing its limitations, IPPFoRB seeks partnerships to enhance its efforts. By collaborating with IPPFoRB, the European Parliament Intergroup can increase its impact, expertise, and outreach. The network in SEE, including countries aspiring to join the European Union, offers opportunities for collaboration with the EU Parliament.

Comments

8 responses to “FoRB and Politics: Fernanda San Martin Carrasco on Religious Freedom Challenges and Progress (Part II)”

  1. Bugger Avatar
    Bugger

    Seems like everyone’s got their knickers in a twist over FoRB these days—who knew religious freedom was the latest trend? 🥴 I mean, if only we could get politicians as excited about actual issues, right?

    Reply
  2. Thunder Nut Avatar
    Thunder Nut

    Seems like the only thing more challenging than FoRB these days is getting a decent espresso in a Brussels café. ☕️ But hey, at least we’ve got 400 parliamentarians to keep things spicy! 😏

    Reply
  3. pop bee Avatar
    pop bee

    Oh, isn’t it charming how our politicians can discuss freedom like it’s a fancy wine? 🍷 Meanwhile, the only thing they seem to have in abundance is a talent for dodging real issues.

    Reply
  4. star scratch Avatar
    star scratch

    Just what we needed, another roundtable about freedom while most of us are still trying to figure out where we left our car keys. 🥴 Cheers to the bureaucrats for taking a day off from the important stuff to discuss the “global issue” of FoRB – because who doesn’t love a good chat while the real work piles up? 😏

    Reply
  5. Cool Whip Avatar
    Cool Whip

    Seems like Ms. Carrasco is trying to put the “fun” back in “fundamental rights”—good luck getting politicians to prioritize that over a nice cup of coffee ☕️. Maybe next they’ll argue FoRB deserves a seat at the table, right next to Brexit! 😂

    Reply
  6. princess dove Avatar
    princess dove

    Looks like we’ve got a real rager in Brussels with this religious freedom shindig! Who knew parliamentarians needed training wheels for human rights? 🤷‍♂️

    Reply
  7. Screwtape Avatar
    Screwtape

    Seems like Ms. San Martin Carrasco is on a mission to turn our beloved Brussels into a religious Disneyland. Who knew saving the world could come with such a hefty side of bureaucracy? 😏

    Reply
  8. Stud Buster Avatar
    Stud Buster

    Looks like another round of “let’s discuss religious freedom” in Brussels – because nothing says progress like a room full of politicians arguing about belief while sipping overpriced coffee, right? ☕️🙄

    Reply

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