The European Times had a discussion with Ms. Fernanda San Martin Carrasco, the Director of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB).
On June 12, Ms. San Martin Carrasco participated in a mission in Brussels, attending the Roundtable Brussels-EU on Freedom of Religion or Belief with over 20 FoRB defenders. The European Times interviewed her.
IPPFoRB is a global network comprising parliamentarians from 90 countries across multiple continents, including members of the European Parliament. The network includes over 400 parliamentarians.
Established in November 2014, IPPFoRB was initiated when 20 parliamentarians signed the Oslo Charter at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, affirming their commitment to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This Charter is foundational to the network, aligning the goals and values of all participating parliamentarians.
A diverse Steering Group of current and former parliamentarians oversees IPPFoRB. The network’s activities are managed by a Secretariat based in Oslo, hosted by Sefanus Alliance International.
Question: What initiated your personal commitment to freedom of religion and belief, and how did it lead you to join IPPFoRB?
My journey began in women’s rights and empowerment, where I noted tensions between FoRB and gender equality. Understanding that human rights are interdependent, I worked to bridge the gap between FoRB and gender advocacy. This led to founding a civic movement in Bolivia defending democratic values.
Recognized for my activism, I ventured into politics, co-founding a political party and being elected to Parliament, where I chaired the Gender Rights Committee. My introduction to IPPFoRB came during a side event at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, emphasizing the synergy between FoRB and gender equality, which was transformative. This led me to coordinate IPPFoRB’s efforts in Latin America, eventually becoming Director. My goal is to promote inclusive societies respecting all human rights, particularly at the intersection of FoRB and gender equality.
Question: How do you assess the global evolution of freedom of religion and belief over the past 15 years, including in the European Union?
FoRB is one of the most violated rights globally, affecting nearly 4 billion people. However, IPPFoRB and various organizations have fostered progress and awareness. Despite shifts in international priorities, new advocates have emerged to uphold these rights.
While advocacy is complex, it remains crucial to maintain FoRB as a global priority. Although awareness has grown, protective mechanisms struggle against threats like authoritarianism, digital repression, and identity politics. The state of FoRB varies across continents, underscoring the need for collaboration and innovation in policy.
- Africa: Regional bodies and civil society push for stronger FoRB protections, yet challenges persist in conflict zones and under oppressive regimes, with minorities often marginalized.
- The Americas: Constitutional protections exist, but enforcement varies. Gendered religious persecution is notable, and religious rhetoric often polarizes political discourse.
- The EU: Legal principles support FoRB, but implementation is inconsistent. Efforts are needed to mainstream FoRB, avoiding politicization that could alienate minority communities. European courts address religious freedom cases, though cultural diversification and secularization create tensions.
Contact:
Ms. Fernanda San Martin Carrasco can be reached at fsm@ippforb.com.
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