Southeast Asian Parliamentarians sign FoRB Declaration at IPPFoRB Regional Academy
The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB) held a Regional Academy in Singapore from 23–25 November, bringing together a new cohort of Members of Parliament (MPs) from across Southeast Asia. The Academy strengthened participants’ understanding of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and reinforced IPPFoRB’s long-term commitment to the region.
Organised by IPPFoRB, the three-day Academy convened Parliamentarians to explore how they can better protect and promote FoRB in their own legislatures and societies, while learning from one another’s experiences and good practices across Southeast Asia.
The first day of the programme was hosted at Singapore’s Harmony in Diversity Gallery, providing a symbolic setting that reflects the importance of dialogue and mutual respect between diverse religious and belief communities. The Academy also acknowledged the support and collaboration of Roses of Peace, whose engagement contributed to the Academy’s focus on interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence.
A key milestone of the Academy was the signing of the Singapore Declaration on FoRB. By signing, participating MPs affirmed their shared commitment to defend and advance FoRB for all – regardless of religion, belief, or non-belief – and to speak out against discrimination, intolerance and violence carried out in the name of religion or belief. The Declaration underscores a growing regional recognition that FoRB is not only a fundamental human right, but also an essential pillar for peaceful, cohesive and resilient societies.
Over the three days, participants reflected on the state of FoRB in their national contexts, discussed emerging trends and challenges, and considered concrete parliamentary tools and strategies to address them. The Academy highlighted the importance of cross-party cooperation and regional solidarity in protecting FoRB, as well as constructive engagement with civil society and interfaith initiatives.
With this Regional Academy in Singapore, IPPFoRB reaffirms its intention to further establish and strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, expanding its network so that more Parliamentarians can join and actively contribute to defending and promoting FoRB in their own countries and beyond. The signing of the ASEAN Parliamentarians’ FoRB Declaration marks another important step in building a broad, cross-regional coalition of lawmakers committed to ensuring that everyone can freely practice, change, or have no religion or belief – without fear and without persecution.
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