23/03/2026 Equality and Non-Discrimination
Expressing concern at the growing manifestations of exclusion and intolerance on grounds of religion across Europe, the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, meeting on 20 March in Paris, emphasised that freedom of religion or belief – which includes the right not to hold a religious belief or affiliation – “was not only a fundamental right, but also a vital element of any democratic system”.
By unanimously adopting a draft resolution, based on the report by Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), the committee called on member states to ensure that religious communities and their members are able to exercise their right to freedom of religion “without impediment or discrimination, in accordance with Article 9 of the Convention”.
“States must step up efforts to prevent and counter all forms of racism and intolerance that misrepresent religious affiliation as a cause of incompatibility between minority groups and European societies,” the parliamentarians said. “No individual shall be held responsible, on the basis of their religious or belief affiliation, for acts committed by others purportedly in the name of that religion or belief,” they added.
In order to counter discrimination based on religion, the adopted text proposes a set of measures with regard to research and data collection, as well as education, information and awareness-raising, aimed at teachers, public officials, law enforcement officers and the judiciary.
Furthermore, the committee called on member states to “strengthen consultation and communication with religious communities and civil society organisations in the drafting of legislation” on this matter.
Finally, it urged legislators and political leaders to abstain from using stigmatising and discriminatory language or from making political use of religion.