Freedom in Chains? Religious Freedom Rights in an International Frame: Addressing the Increasing Intolerance and Violence Directed Toward People of Faith

Violations of religious freedom rights are accelerating across the globe, with levels of religious harassment reaching record levels. Yet, despite social work’s commitment to challenging religious discrimination and promoting human rights, little, if any, attention has focused on this issue in the profession’s literature. In keeping with calls from the United Nations, this article highlights a human rights concern of critical importance to many vulnerable people, namely those who experience acts of intolerance, hate and violence for peacefully practicing the tenets of their faith. Accordingly, the parameters of religious freedom are delineated along with the status of religious freedom rights in the world, in conjunction with the populations that experience particularly extensive discrimination. After discussing the systemic factors that legitimise discrimination against people of faith, strategies are offered that social workers might implement to promote more equitable and socially just societies.