On the occasion of the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC62), the ACT South America Ecumenical Forum (FESUR) and the Coalition of Religions, Beliefs and Spiritualities stood together against shrinking civic space, the rise of religious and political fundamentalisms, disinformation, and democratic backsliding across the region by issuing a declaration.
From diverse faith traditions and convictions, they urgently call on governments, multilateral institutions, faith communities, and civil society to:
-
Defend democracy and secular governance, safeguarding the separation between religious institutions and public decision-making.
-
Place gender justice at the centre of public policy, addressing all forms of violence, discrimination, and inequality.
-
Protect civic space and human rights defenders, whose work is indispensable to democratic societies.
-
Counter hate speech, extremism, and disinformation, while promoting narratives rooted in pluralism, respect, dialogue, and human rights.
At a time when democracy, multilateralism, and human rights are under increasing pressure, silence is not an option.
Read the full recommendations addressed to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the OAS Member States, and the Inter-American Human Rights System here: download in EN, SP and PT
