by Donna Birrell, Premier
People living in 14 of the 48 countries taking part in this year’s World Cup face restrictions on their freedom of religion or belief.
A new report by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) says three of those countries, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been classified as places of religious persecution. A further 11 countries, including Haiti, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye, are places where “significant discrimination” occurs.
ACN’s editor-in-chief Marta Petrosillo said the tournament is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the countries where religious freedom is under threat: “The World Cup brings together people from every culture, religion and nation. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges that millions of people around the world still face in exercising their fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief.
“We encourage governments everywhere to uphold and protect this fundamental human right, ensuring that every person can freely practice, change or share their faith without fear of discrimination or persecution.”