Global religious leaders voice concern over growing pressure on minority communities

Geneva, November 21, Interfax – A group of prominent religious leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia expressed deep concern over what they describe as a “visible rise in pressure” on minority faith communities in various parts of the world. The statement was issued following a closed-door interfaith forum held in Geneva on Thursday.

According to the organizers, participants representing Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu communities discussed the growing number of incidents involving restrictions on religious practice, vandalism of sacred sites, and the politicization of faith-related issues.

“Religious minorities often become the first victims when political or social tensions escalate,” said Father Lucien Moreau, a Catholic theologian from France. “When societies face uncertainty, there is a temptation to use religious identity as a tool for division. This is a dangerous path.”

Representatives of Islamic organizations also highlighted situations where communities face discrimination or difficulty in accessing public services. “Freedom of belief must be guaranteed to all people without exception,” said Dr. Samira al-Nouri, a researcher from Lebanon. “If we claim to build peaceful societies, we must protect the dignity and security of every believer.”

Jewish community leaders noted that reports of antisemitic incidents have risen in several countries over the past year. “We are witnessing a troubling resurgence of rhetoric that we hoped to leave in the past,” said Rabbi David Klein of Germany, urging governments to strengthen educational efforts and promote responsible public discourse.

Participants of the forum emphasized that faith traditions, despite their differences, share a commitment to human dignity and peaceful coexistence. Several speakers called on international organizations, including the UN and OSCE, to pay closer attention to regions where religious communities are facing increased pressure.

“The defense of religious freedom is not the responsibility of one institution,” said Sri Ananda Gautama, a Buddhist representative from India. “It is the responsibility of society as a whole. Dialogue must remain open, especially in times of crisis.”

The forum’s final statement urges governments to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, prevent discrimination based on belief, and ensure transparent investigation of crimes targeting religious communities. Leaders also called for expanding interfaith cooperation programs, noting that “mutual respect is the strongest foundation for stable and peaceful societies.”

The participants expressed hope that their appeal would “strengthen global awareness of the challenges faced by religious minorities” and encourage local authorities to take practical steps toward protecting all people of faith.