Panama // The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) in Panama City was the setting for a major international gathering on September 24-25, 2024. The Faith and Freedom Summit IV, under the theme “Practicing what we preach”, brought together more than 40 political leaders, academics, human rights defenders, journalists and religious representatives from around the world to discuss crucial issues such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief. This summit, organized by a large coalition of NGOs, had already held 3 previous editions at the European Parliament in Brussels (Share with the Hashtag #FAITHANDFREEDOMSUMMIT ).
The summit featured speakers from countries such as Panama, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, the United States, France, Guatemala, Italy, the Netherlands, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States, among others. This diversity of participants reflects the growing global concern about violations of freedom of belief in many parts of the world.
High-level opening
The opening ceremony featured interventions by prominent personalities, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Belief, Dr. Nazila Ghanea. His Excellency Juan Francisco Borrell Cal, Minister in Charge of the Government of the Republic of Panama; His Excellency Mr. Rubén Farje, Representative in Panama of the Organization of American States; as well as Mr. Iván Arjona-Pelado representing the NGO Coalition Faith and Freedom Summit, the President of the Panamanian Bar Association Ms. Maritza Cedeño and the Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University Santa María la Antigua, Prof. Cherty Mendieta. Giselle Lima, Coordinator of the International Religious Freedom Board in Panama, was the Master of Ceremonies for the entire event. Also in attendance were the Minister in charge of Social Development of Panama, Mr. Ricardo Landero, the Minister in charge of Public Security , Mr. Luis Felipe Icaza, the Director of the Office against Human Trafficking, Mrs. Yilena Sandoval, and various general secretaries of the forces.
Introduced by Mr. Ivan Arjona-Pelado, who was recently appointed a few weeks ago as Chairman of the UN Geneva NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion and Belief, Dr. Nazila Ghanea, UN Rapporteur, emphasized at the summit the crucial importance of protecting religious freedom around the world. Ghanea highlighted recent UN reports on the topic, including analyses of efforts at the local level, the impact of the media and the role of religion in peace building. She stressed the need for collaboration between state authorities, civil society and international bodies to ensure religious freedom for all. The Special Rapporteur praised the summit agenda for addressing key issues such as diplomacy, regional and national protection systems, and the influence of religious scholars, urging participants to share their experiences and best practices in advancing this fundamental human right.
Ambassador Ruben Farje, OAS representative for Panama, opened the Faith and Freedom Summit at the Latin American Parliament with a speech that emphasized the fundamental importance of freedom of religion and belief in democratic societies. Farje highlighted the progress made by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in the promotion of this right, underlining its universality and its protection in various international instruments. The diplomat detailed the freedoms covered by this right, from the choice and change of beliefs to religious education, and urged States to not only respect, but also actively protect religious freedom. Farje concluded by noting persistent challenges, such as discrimination against religious minorities, and called for a renewed commitment to guarantee this fundamental right for all.
Following these remarks, it was the turn of the Minister in Charge of Government, Juan Francisco Borrell Cal, who underscored the crucial importance of religious freedom in today’s world. Borrell called for collective action, urging participating countries to not only respect, but also actively protect the right to religious freedom. He stressed that this freedom is fundamental to building pluralistic and tolerant societies, and warned of the dangers of religious discrimination, which not only violates human rights, but also threatens social cohesion and peace. The Minister emphasized the need to develop concrete policies to promote religious diversity and create a world where every individual can practice his or her faith freely.
Beliefs in legislation, academia, the media, civil society, communities themselves and diplomacy
The event’s program included panel discussions that focused on issues that the UN Special Rapporteur highlighted as important, timely and necessary.
The first day began with “Mechanisms to promote and protect freedom of belief within nations and regions”, moderated by Ms. Maritza Cedeño, President, National Bar Association of Panama and with the participation of Mr. Fabricio Alvarado, Deputy, Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica; Dra. Carmen Domínguez, President of the Latin American Consortium for Religious Freedom; Ms. Maricarmen Plata, Secretary of Access to Rights and Equity, Organization of American States and Ms. Lorena Ríos, Senator, Congress of the Republic of Colombia. (See biographies).
Followed by “The role of academia in the defense of religious freedom”; moderated by Prof. Alonso Illueca Associate Professor, Universidad Santa María La Antigua and with the participation of Ms. Amy Andrus, Associate Director, International Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Brigham Young University; Prof. Massimo Introvigne, Founder and Director of CESNUR (Center for the Study of New Religions); Dr. Dennis Petri, Director, International Institute for Religious Freedom; Prof. Dr. Marco Ventura Professor, University of Siena. (See biographies).
And the first day of the day culminated with “Religions and Interfaith Work to Protect the Freedom of Others ” which had two parts; the first moderated by Bhairavananda Saraswati Swami, President, Shiva Forum of Europe and with the participation of: Mr. Jonathan Ammons, International Director of Public Affairs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Rev. Olivia McDuff, Public and Interfaith Affairs Officer, Church of Scientology International; Mr. Gustavo Guillermé, President, World Congress of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue; and Rev. Dr. Scott Stearman, Vice President, Parliament of the World’s Religions. (See biographies).
The morning of the second day began with the second part of “Religions and interfaith work to protect the freedom of others” moderated by Mr. Guillermo Smythe, L. Ron Hubbard’s Personal Public Relations Officer, and with the participation of: Dr. Massimo AbdAllah Cozzol, President, World Congress ofInterreligiousand Intercultural Dialogue. Massimo AbdAllah Cozzolino, President, EuroIslam; Father Manuel Corral, Private Secretary to Mexican Cardinal Carlos Aguiar for Institutional Relations; Rabbi Yosef Garmon, President, Israel Humanitarian Coalition; Mr. Felipe Gomez, Director of Mayan Culture and Science Studies; Bishop Tito Ysabel, President, Council of United Churches of God, Dominican Republic. (See biographies).
A panel on “The importance of civil society participation in the promotion of freedom of belief ” moderated by Ms. Karen Rodas Director of Communications for Central America, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the participation of: Dr. Cristian Badillo, General Director, Fundación Conciencia Nacional por la Libertad Religiosa; Dra. Andrea De Vita, Director of the Cátedra Abierta sobre Libertad Religiosa, Creencias y Cultos, Universidad del Salvador; Prof. Dr. Lautaro Roig-Lanzillotta, Director, International Master Global Network University of Groningen; Mr. Matthias Böhning, Secretary General, International Society for Human Rights, and Mr. Simran Stuelpnagel, Director of Global Affairs, Sikh Dharma. (See biographies).
The penultimate panel was dedicated to the media with “Responsibility of the Media in Promoting and Respecting Freedom of Belief,” moderated by Prof. Carlos Lee, Santa Maria La Antigua University and featuring: Prof. Willy Fautre, Founder and Director, Human Rights Without Frontiers International; Mr. Juan Gonzalez Bedoya, Journalist, International Society for Human Rights; and Mr. Juan Gonzalez Bedoya, Journalist, International Society for Human Rights, International Society for Human Rights, International Society for Human Rights. Juan González Bedoya, Journalist of El País; Mr. Eric Roux, Co-Coordinator of the Brussels-EU Freedom of Belief Roundtable; Ms. Angela Redding, Executive Director, Radiant Foundation, and Dr. Christine Schirrmacher, Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Bonn (See biographies).
And finally there was the panel “Achieving freedom of belief for all through diplomacy”, moderated by Mr. Iván Arjona-Pelado, Scientology representative to the European Union and United Nations, in which participated: Ms. Maureen Ferguson, Commissioner, US Commission on International Religious Freedom; Dr. Ján Figeľ Founder, European Institute of Innovation & Technology; Her Excellency Ms. Bouchra Boudchiche Boucetta, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Panama; Mr. Greg Mitchell, Founder and CEO, International Religious Freedom Secretariat; Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, Co-Chair, Religions for Peace and Mr. David Trimble, President, Religious Freedom Institute (See biographies).
Closing remarks
The event concluded with a speech by the Vice Minister in charge of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Carlos Fitzgerald, who highlighted the importance of Panama as the venue for this international meeting. “This opportunity that exists here in Panama to bring together leaders from different parts of the world to dialogue on crucial issues that unite us such as freedom of expression, freedom of religion and belief, are fundamental pillars in any society that considers itself democratic and just,” said Fitzgerald.
The Vice Minister drew a parallel between this summit and the historic 1826 Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, highlighting the continued importance of Panama as a point of confluence of ideas and interests. “Our country is a small strip of land nestled in the center of the continent, with a high vocation for principles and an extensive legacy of work and commitment to values,” he said.
This initiative, which began in 2018 as a European campaign, has gained international momentum, bringing together stakeholders from around the world with the common goal of ending discrimination and defending freedom of religion and belief by marking important milestones in the global struggle for freedom of religion and belief, as well as reaffirming international commitment to these fundamental rights and establishing a platform for continued dialogue and concerted action in the years to come.
Vital to this, in addition to the support of the entire NGO coalition and strategic allies, was the success of the summit, to whom it belonged, along with the speakers. These included Parlatino, the National Bar Association of Panama, the European Religions Alliance, the Catholic University Santa Maria La Antigua (USMA), the International Center for Law and Religion Studies and the international campaign “What is Freedom of Religion?” of the Church of Scientology International.
The summit not only focused on theoretical discussions, but also included a call to action. Political leaders, civil society organizations and citizens from around the world were invited to join in the defense of freedom of conscience and religion, urging them to sign a pledge that rejects intolerance, discrimination, harassment and violence in order to build a more equitable society that respects diversity of belief. In order to reach young people with this message, the Ministry of Education organized the participation of students from the National Institute of Panama, Isabel Herrera Obaldia Professional School, Alfredo Canton Institute, Rubiano Institute and others.
