Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief
    Participants at the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Berlin

    10 October Germany initiates international cooperation to strengthen freedom of religion or belief in the digital space

    Picture on the front of the 3rd Report of the Federal Government on the Global Situation of Freedom of Religion or Belief: The picture was made with woollen threads by the cacique José Ávila of the Huichol, an indigenous people living in the Sierra Madre in the Mexican state of Najarit. In addition to the sun, it shows the peyote cactus and cult objects of the shamans.

    Reporting period 2020–2022 The Federal Government’s Third Report on the Global Status of Freedom of Religion or belief

    Frank Schwabe in the reopened Citadel Synagogue in Timisoara, Romania

    5 January 2022 Frank Schwabe has been appointed new Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief

    Symbolic image of world religions, depicted in the form of graffiti on a cement surface: four red figures symbolise different religions

    Legal basis Freedom of religion or belief

    News

    Frank Schwabe, Federal Government Commissioner for Global Freedom of Religion or Belief, during his opening speech at the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief

    International conference Germany initiates international cooperation to strengthen freedom of religion or belief in the digital space

    10. October 2024 |

    What is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on freedom of religion or belief? On 10 October 2024, this question was discussed at an international conference in Berlin hosted by the German Development Ministry (BMZ) and Frank Schwabe, Federal Government Commissioner for Global Freedom of Religion or Belief.

    Frank Schwabe, Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, at a dialog event on the future of the Yazidis in Iraq

    Roundtable 10 years on from the genocide – the future of Yazidis in Shingal

    16. September 2024 |

    The BMZ recently hosted an event at which the Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief chaired a dialogue on the future of Yazidis in Iraq, particularly in the district of Shingal. More than ten years after the genocide of this religious community began, it is time for a substantial improvement of their situation.

    Frank Schwabe, Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief

    Statement Federal Commissioner Schwabe on Ukraine

    24. February 2024 |

    In view of continuing repression against representatives and members of religious and faith communities in the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, Frank Schwabe made the following statement: “[...] In the face of horrible images from the war and current discussions about support for Ukraine, we must not forget the human rights situation in the territories which Russia has occupied in violation of international law. Freedom of religion or belief is definitely one of these rights.”

    Logo: Human rights
    Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
    Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
    Frank Schwabe, Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief

    The Commissioner Frank Schwabe

    In January 2021, Frank Schwabe MdB (Member of the German Parliament) was appointed to the post of Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief. The staff unit that supports him in this role is based at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in Berlin. The office of Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief was created in the 19th legislative period of the German Bundestag (parliament).

    Cover: Strengthening freedom of religion or belief

    Frank Schwabe Strengthening freedom of religion or belief

    “In my international work, I will continue to promote the traditional, human rights-based approach to freedom of religion or belief and, as Federal Government Commissioner, will take a critical look at the situation in many countries worldwide and support the people affected”, says Frank Schwabe. Read more about his work in the brochure “Strengthening freedom of religion or belief”.