When Wealth Fences in the Sacred
By on 11/03/2026
On 5 March, the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) addressed the UN Human Rights Council to highlight a structural failure in many jurisdictions where private property and quiet enjoyment rights are not balanced against the rights of indigenous communities to practice their faith and honor their deceased. The situation is starkly illustrated by the […]
Protecting Ancestral Heritage: IARF Addresses the UN on Indigenous Burial Rights on Private Land
March 5, 2026 — During the ongoing session of the UN Human Rights Council, the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) took the floor to address a critical but often overlooked intersection of human rights: the right of Indigenous Peoples to access and care for their ancestral burial sites when those sites are located on […]
Update from the US Chapter: Concerns Raised Over New “Religious Liberty Commission”
The IARF US Chapter has officially endorsed a lawsuit filed by the Interfaith Alliance challenging the Department of Justice's new "Religious Liberty Commission." Read the full statement from President George Garland regarding concerns over religious bias and the violation of federal law.
Unitarian Beginnings and Heritage in Poland: A Historical Pilgrimage
By on 01/02/2026
Dates: May 20–26, 2026 | Location: Poland | Organizer: Polish Unitarian Society & Partners We are pleased to share a unique opportunity for IARF members—particularly those in Europe—to explore the deep roots of liberal religion. This historical study tour is hosted by leaders from the Polish Unitarian Society, a member group of the IARF, in […]
In Memoriam: The Rev. John Clifford
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is deeply saddened to share the news of the death of the Rev. John Clifford. John was a dedicated internationalist, a passionate advocate for peace, and a universally respected leader within the Unitarian movement. His commitment to interfaith understanding and his service to our organization spanned decades, leaving […]
Sit-in Demonstration by Yezidis in The Hague Because of Recent Dutch Policy Change
Young Yezidis are holding a sit-in demonstration this month in front of The Hague Central train station to express their concerns about a recent change in Dutch policy. Under this new policy, the government now considers it generally safe for Yezidis and other religious minority groups to return to Iraq—either to the city of Sinjar […]
Joint Anniversary Celebration in Bengaluru
By on 15/12/2025
On December 13, 2025, a gathering titled Sammilana was held in Bengaluru to mark the 125th Anniversary of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) and the 25th Anniversary of the United Religions Initiative (URI). The event was organized by Dr. C.N.N. Raju in collaboration with Seshadripuram College and the Karnataka State Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. […]
How Liberal Religion Spearheaded Protection of Belief: Anniversary of the 1981 UN Declaration
“Considering that religion or belief, for anyone who professes either, is one of the fundamental elements in his conception of life…” — Preamble, 1981 UN Declaration November 25 marks a pivotal, yet often overlooked, milestone in the history of human rights. On this day in 1981, after nearly two decades of geopolitical gridlock, the United […]
Interfaith Statement Supporting Trans, Intersex and Nonbinary People
On the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, the International Association for Religious Freedom welcomes the statement on the rights of Trans, Intersex and Nonbinary People issued by the Unitarian Universalist Association, our member group, in coalition with several faith groups, including the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church and other Christian denominations, Union for […]