Freedom and peace have their roots. They are rooted in virtues of truth and justice. 

A report originally written to help the EU fight the persecution of faith minorities was watered down before its approval. The European Evangelical Alliance warns about the risks of minimising the importance of certain human rights.

The Cypriot Christos Stylianides has experience in the field of human aid. The EU confirmed the position ten months after announcing the appointment.

Last July the EU announced the appointment but the position is still vacant. “Promoting freedom of religion is essential to address global challenges”, 49 MEPs say in a letter to the EU.

“The forthcoming appointment shows our determination to ensure the rights of all faiths and beliefs are respected across the world”, says Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission.

The European Evangelical Alliance praises the work of Jan Figel’, who finished his mandate in 2019. “It is important that the EU leads by example and shows that FoRB is a precious human right for all people”.

“I encourage companies, businesses, to promote religious freedom and diversity at the workplace”, says the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief shortlisted 30 countries in the world where basic rights are violated. “We must do whatever is in our power to cherish, defend and promote this freedom”.

A letter distributed on social media asks for the “attacks against the church” to stop. Twenty-five buildings are set to be demolished, but Christians in the country are “very resilient”, a source says.

A report launched by the EU Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief analyses the restrictions in 53 countries. “Human rights should not be a hobby, they should be a core task for a diplomat.”

The European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) welcomes the appointment. President Juncker announced that the former Education commissioner Jan Figel’ will take on a one year mandate.