The Bahá’í International Community, Brussels Office participated in an expert meeting on religion and human rights called for by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

While much of the focus of the contemporary debate is centred around the ‘clashes’ between religion and human rights, as was highlighted by Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the FRA, the purpose of the Vienna meeting was to identify the untapped potential for joint action and co-operation, both between those motivated by religion and those motivated by human rights, in order to create fair and just societies.

Among the questions explored by the participants were how religious communities can better co-operate among themselves on specific human rights issues, or what religious notions or concepts, as well as actions or activities and actions, may be of relevance for more effective human rights promotion, protection and advocacy. 

The Bahá’í International Community, Brussels Office welcomed the space for joint exploration that the meeting provided and encouraged the FRA to continue creating spaces which allow for open and nuanced discussions of complex questions.