Addressing religious intolerance in an increasingly illiberal world

Given the scale of religious intolerance around the world, what can governments, human rights activists, and international organizations do to protect the right of freedom of religion and belief (FoRB)? What are the policies and strategies for addressing religious intolerance (RI) and promoting at a minimum religious tolerance (RT)? What concrete steps can be undertaken to protect the fundamental right to FoRB? This chapter argues FoRB is a generational struggle that will require a multilayered approach from states and non-state actors. It requires thoughtful government policies, civil society actors, as well as education reforms. This struggle will not be accomplished in the short term. Religious tolerance may be the most realistic goal in the immediate future for some societies. This can provide a solid foundation to build toward the goal of FoRB across the world.

Political science · Religion, Society, and Development