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...
Joint Anniversary Celebration in Bengaluru
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...
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...
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...
Interfaith Harmony Gathering
The Chhindwara Branch of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) organized a दिवाली मिलन (Diwali Meetup) and Interfaith Harmony event at Pensioners Sadar, Chhindwara, bringing together senior community members, youth participants, and interfaith representatives in a shared celebration of peace, respect, and human dignity. The program included prayer recitations...
The Limits of Tolerance and Religious Freedom: Report from the 2025 EME Conference
The following is a translation of the report scheduled to appear in the upcoming newsletter of the Free Religious Congregation in Offenbach. For more details on the conference programme and speakers, please visit the official conference page at iarf.net/eme-conference-2025. The tension and excitement were immense: participants from around the world...
In Memoriam: Br. M.D. Sebastian, SHJ
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) remembers with deep gratitude the life and legacy of Bro. M.D. Sebastian SHJ (1941–2025), who dedicated his life to promoting peace, harmony, and interfaith understanding.
International Day of Peace 2025 – Report from BV Foundation
Under the auspices of the B.V. Foundation for Peace and Harmony, South India (a Member Group of the International Association for Religious Freedom – IARF) and the Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam, a grand meeting was held at the Seminar Hall of L.B. College to mark the International Day of Peace. The...
