Freedom of Religion or Belief is Security: The 2019 OSCE Policy Guidance on FoRB and Security

Abstract

In September 2019, the Policy Guidance of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on “freedom of religion or belief and security” considered in a totally new perspective the interaction between security and religion and the model generally adopted by States and Governments in reacting to religious-inspired terrorism acts and in preventing religious radicalizations. The Policy Guidance sets out that security and religious freedom are complementary rights and not competitive rights. The notion of “comprehensive security” means that the OSCE’s concept of security, namely a real and lasting security, in a complex and globalized society, can only be reached where there is an adequate protection of human rights with religious freedom being high up on the list.