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Thursday, November 12, 2026 Updated 5:32 PM Central Time 199 stories

Stories from ADF International

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Persecuted church

ADF International Raises Free Speech and Maternal Health Concerns in Guatemala

ADF International Guatemala

Alliance Defending Freedom submitted a report to the United Nations regarding Guatemala during the 42nd Universal Periodic Review session. The organization warns that Guatemala’s Law Against Femicide and other Forms of Violence Against Women contains an overly broad definition of psychological violence. This legal framework may lead to arbitrary restrictions on freedom of expression. Additionally, the submission urges the Guatemalan government to improve maternal healthcare services, especially in rural regions, to address high mortality rates. The group emphasizes that these improvements must align with a commitment to protecting the right to life. The report highlights these issues to promote fundamental freedoms and human dignity within the country.

Persecuted church

ADF Claims French Homeschooling Restrictions Violate Human Rights

ADF International France

Alliance Defending Freedom, a faith-based legal advocacy group, released a report on France's 43rd Universal Periodic Review session. The organization argues that France's 2021 Anti-Separatism Bill imposes unlawful restrictions on homeschooling. According to the group, these measures violate international human rights law regarding freedom of education and parental rights. The report highlights the current state of home education in France, asserting that the government's regulatory approach infringes upon fundamental liberties protected under global standards. The outlet urges a review of these policies to ensure compliance with established human rights obligations.

Persecuted church

ADF International Reports on Religious Freedom in Uzbekistan

ADF International Uzbekistan

Alliance Defending Freedom submitted a report to the Universal Periodic Review regarding Uzbekistan. The organization highlights challenges faced by religious minorities, particularly unregistered groups. The report notes barriers to registration and operation, as well as laws criminalizing peaceful proselytism and sharing religious materials. It also cites overbroad restrictions on expression. Furthermore, the group points to cases of violence, abuse, and intimidation against religious communities by state and non-state actors. This submission aims to draw attention to these human rights concerns during the 44th session of the review process in Uzbekistan.

Persecuted church

ADF International Reports on Religious Freedom in Bangladesh

ADF International Bangladesh

A faith-based legal advocacy group submitted a report to the United Nations concerning the 44th Universal Periodic Review of a South Asian nation. The submission highlights serious concerns regarding freedom of religion, expression, and association within the country. It specifically criticizes laws that criminalize expressions deemed to outrage religious feelings. The report also notes increasing social hostility directed at Christians and other religious minorities. This action aims to draw international attention to these human rights issues affecting believers in the region. (Source: ADF International)

Persecuted church

ADF Report Highlights Religious Persecution in Russia

ADF International Russia

Alliance Defending Freedom released a report on the 44th Universal Periodic Review concerning the Russian Federation. The organization details severe restrictions on freedom of religion and expression, particularly for minority groups. The report cites barriers to registering unregistered religious groups, police raids, and property closures. It also condemns the use of anti-extremism laws to censor publications and arrest hundreds of individuals. Furthermore, the outlet notes a trend of targeting religious leaders who refuse to support Russia’s military attack on Ukraine. These actions significantly impact the rights of religious minorities in the country.

Persecuted church

ADF Report on Israel's Religious Registration and Christian Hostility

ADF International Israel

Alliance Defending Freedom released a report during the 43rd Universal Periodic Review session concerning Israel. The organization examines how laws and policies regarding the registration of religious groups and the ownership of religious property and heritage sites create discriminatory impacts. Additionally, the report outlines a rising trend of social hostility faced by Christians within the country. ADF International describes itself as a faith-based legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting fundamental freedoms and promoting human dignity. The findings highlight specific challenges related to religious registration and community safety in Israel.

Persecuted church

ADF International Criticizes Luxembourg Euthanasia Laws at UN Review

ADF International Luxembourg

Alliance Defending Freedom submitted a report during the 43rd session of the Universal Periodic Review in Luxembourg. The faith-based legal group argues that the country's euthanasia and assisted suicide regulations violate the fundamental right to life. The organization highlights the subjective nature of assessing 'unbearable suffering' under current laws. It also points out difficulties medical professionals face when exercising their right to conscientious objection. ADF International claims these legal frameworks are incompatible with state obligations to protect human dignity equally for all persons.

Persecuted church

ADF International Reports on Religious Freedom Concerns in Germany

ADF International Germany

Alliance Defending Freedom released a report on Germany's 44th Universal Periodic Review session. The faith-based legal group highlights concerns regarding the dismissal of religion-based asylum applications, specifically for Christian converts who face life-threatening risks if returned to their home countries. Additionally, the report addresses violations of freedom of expression, assembly, and religion. These issues stem from laws establishing 'protection zones' around abortion centers. The organization argues that these regulations infringe upon fundamental human rights and dignity. The findings were presented during the review process to assess Germany's compliance with international human rights standards.

Persecuted church

Canadian Groups Submit Report on Right to Life to UN

ADF International Canada

Alliance Defending Freedom and Canadian Physicians for Life submitted a joint report to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review for Canada. The submission focuses on Canada’s implementation of its obligation to protect the inherent right to life. The organizations state that the report is based on research and first-hand accounts. Alliance Defending Freedom describes itself as a faith-based legal advocacy group. Canadian Physicians for Life is a national association of pro-life medical professionals. They advocate for healthcare that prioritizes the patient's good and preserves life. The report aims to highlight how Canada meets its international human rights duties regarding the protection of life.

Persecuted church

ADF Report Reviews Religious Freedom Status in Jordan

ADF International Jordan

Alliance Defending Freedom released a report on Jordan during the 45th session of the Universal Periodic Review. The document assesses the current state of freedom of religion or belief in the country. It specifically examines how Christians, religious minorities, ex-Muslim converts, and refugees are treated. The analysis also reviews existing blasphemy, anti-proselytism, and cybercrime laws. The group highlights Jordan's obligations under international human rights law to ensure these fundamental freedoms are protected for all people.

Persecuted church

Report Highlights Persecution of Christians in a West African Nation

ADF International Mali

An international advocacy group released a report concerning a West African nation during a recent global human rights review. The organization states that religious minorities, especially Christians, face intense hostility and persecution in the country. Additionally, the report advises the nation to reject proposals to expand abortion access. Instead, the group suggests the nation should prioritize safeguarding and improving maternal healthcare services for its citizens. This advocacy aims to protect fundamental freedoms and human dignity within the country's borders, highlighting the severe challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

Persecuted church

ADF International Reports on UAE Religious Freedom Concerns

ADF International United Arab Emirates

Alliance Defending Freedom released a report on the United Arab Emirates during the 43rd session of the Universal Periodic Review. The faith-based legal advocacy group notes some positive developments regarding religious freedom in the country. However, the organization remains concerned about the continued criminalization of blasphemy and proselytism. The report also highlights the UAE's failure to recognize marriages between Muslims and non-Muslims, with exceptions only for Christian or Jewish women. The outlet attributes these findings to its assessment of the current legal and social environment in the UAE.

Persecuted church

ADF Report on Religious Freedom Challenges in Malaysia

ADF International Malaysia

Alliance Defending Freedom released a report during the 45th Universal Periodic Review session concerning Malaysia. The organization highlights ongoing difficulties regarding freedom of religion and expression within the country. Specifically, the report addresses the criminalization of blasphemy and proselytism. It also examines the impact of religious harmony laws and the requirement to disclose religious affiliation on identity cards. These factors affect the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms for residents in Malaysia, according to the faith-based legal advocacy group.

Persecuted church

ADF International Report on Saudi Arabia Religious Freedom

ADF International Saudi Arabia

A faith-based legal group released a report on Saudi Arabia during the 45th Universal Periodic Review session. The document examines the Kingdom's freedom of religion or belief. It surveys blasphemy and apostasy laws while highlighting positive developments for Christians and other minorities. The report outlines the state's human rights obligations in this area. It concludes with actionable recommendations to enhance the human rights situation in the country. This analysis aims to provide information on the current religious freedom landscape within Saudi Arabia.

Persecuted church

ADF International Submits Report on Eritrean Religious Persecution

ADF International Eritrea

A human rights organization submitted a report to the United Nations regarding religious freedom in a nation in the Horn of Africa. The document examines the state of conscience, parental rights, and the domestic legal framework. It presents specific cases of persecution and analyzes the national military conscription program. The submission outlines recommendations aimed at improving the human rights situation. This intervention highlights ongoing concerns about religious freedom and state control over citizens in the region, emphasizing the severe challenges faced by believers under current government policies.

Persecuted church

ADF Urges New Zealand to Ban Prenatal Sex Selection

ADF International New Zealand

Alliance Defending Freedom submitted a report during the 46th Universal Periodic Review session for New Zealand. The faith-based legal group urges the government to prohibit prenatal sex selection. The report also criticizes New Zealand's self-identification process for changing sex markers on birth certificates. ADF argues this policy harms the dignity, safety, and rights of women and girls. It also claims the law undermines parental rights by allowing children aged 16 and older to change their gender identity without parental consent. The organization states these measures violate non-discrimination principles based on sex.

Persecuted church

ADF Report Highlights Religious Restrictions and Sex Ratio Imbalance in Vietnam

ADF International Vietnam

Alliance Defending Freedom released a report during the 46th Universal Periodic Review session concerning Vietnam. The organization states that religious minorities in the country face human rights violations due to restrictive registration laws and targeting by state officials. Additionally, the report highlights widespread prenatal sex selection, which has created one of the world’s most imbalanced sex ratios at birth. The findings address the situation of religious minorities and demographic trends in Vietnam.

Persecuted church

Chile Church Violence Addressed in UPR Submission

ADF International Chile

Alliance Defending Freedom and Corporación Comunidad y Justicia submitted a joint report to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review for Chile. The document highlights a rising trend of violence against churches, specifically noting incidents involving extremist indigenous groups. The submission aims to improve freedom of religion or belief in the country by offering practical recommendations to address these security concerns and protect religious institutions. This intervention occurs during the 46th session of the review process.

Persecuted church

Report Highlights Religious Persecution and Political Restrictions in a Country

ADF International Mexico

An international legal organization released a report for a universal review concerning a specific country. The organization states that religious leaders and worship sites face increasing violence, threats, and harassment. Additionally, the report notes unjustified restrictions on freedom of expression and political participation, particularly affecting clergy members. The group urges the government to align its laws on gender-based political violence with international human rights obligations. The findings aim to address these growing concerns regarding fundamental freedoms in the region.

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