The Faculty of Law of AAB College participated in the conference dedicated to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Belief (FoRB), organized in cooperation with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
This activity brought together deans, professors and students of law and theology from public universities, private colleges and theological schools/seminaries to discuss the practical dimensions of FoRB in contemporary society.
Purpose of the conference
The conference aimed to deepen inter-institutional cooperation, share academic experiences and raise awareness of the role of religious freedom in the protection of fundamental human rights.
At the conference, international and local experts addressed the relationship between FoRB and other fundamental rights, the inclusion of this topic in university curricula and how students engage with content related to freedom of belief.
Practical examples and recommendations for innovative teaching
The panelists brought practical examples that illustrated the relevance of FoRB for individuals belonging to both minority and majority communities, recommending innovative methods for teaching on religiously motivated “hate speech”.
During the discussions, the need for sustainable networking and cooperation between public universities, private colleges and theological institutions was emphasized.
Ambassador Gerard McGurk, emphasized the importance of addressing women’s safety in rural areas, as well as the key role of religious leaders in addressing gender-based violence.
Contribution of participants and OSCE engagement
The participants contributed with new ideas for empowering the role of women in society and overcoming victimization and stigmatization. The OSCE reaffirmed its commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards all forms of violence against women.
