ECR MEP Andrew Lewer has used UN Human Rights Day to reiterate calls for the protection of religious freedom around the world.

ECR MEP Andrew Lewer has used UN Human Rights Day to reiterate calls for the protection of religious freedom around the world.

He hosted a hearing on religion, security and human rights which featured a keynote speech from Heiner Bielefeldt, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Mr Bielefeldt has been the UN’s independent expert since 2010 and identifies existing and emerging obstacles to the free exercise of the right to freedom of religion.

Mr Lewer said: “I am pleased to have chaired this event which brought together some interesting thinkers on religious freedom, and to have heard some moving personal examples of what happens when religious freedom is undermined.”

Peter van Dalen, co-chair of the ECR policy group on religious freedom added: “I am delighted that Mr Lewer has chaired this event – especially on UK Human Rights Day.

“As the fundamental freedoms of religion or belief come increasingly under threat in the world, it is right that the ECR continues to elevate the profile of this issue, and seeks practical solutions through reforming the EU institutions.

“These are our goals in the policy group and we will continue to pioneer them in the European Parliament.”