A side-event to the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council entitled “The Impact of Media on Freedom of Religion or Belief” took place on March 6 in Geneva. The high-level event was dedicated to discussing the potential of media in fostering the understanding of the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), in breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions and in promoting FoRB as an educational tool. Ambassador Dragana Filipovic, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Geneva, addressed the participants with a statement.

The Council of Europe work in the field of media - in underlining the role that media plays in shaping public perception and attitudes and emphasising the role of independent and community media in responding to the needs of groups that are marginalised in the mainstream media - significantly links to the main questions discussed at the event. The Council of Europe also addresses the issue of enhanced fragmentation of media spaces and its possible contribution to radicalisation against those who are perceived as ‘others’, which can consitute another important facet in understanding the impact of media on FoRB.

 More information on the side-event "The Impact of Media on Freedom of Religion or Belief"