The United Religions Initiative–Africa (URI-Africa), together with committed individuals, organizations, and stakeholders, has played a key role in the creation of the African Freedom of Religion or Belief Observatory (AFORB).
The official launch of AFORB is scheduled for October 28, 2026, under the patronage of the President of Seychelles.
As highlighted by Ambassador Mussie Hailu, Regional Director of URI-Africa and URI Representative to the African Union and United Nations Office in Africa:
“Freedom of religion or belief is a cornerstone of human dignity and a fundamental human right. It is also essential for sustainable peace, social cohesion, democratic governance, and spiritual flourishing. Yet, across many countries, this freedom remains fragile, and the mechanisms to protect it are often weak, under-resourced, or absent. URI-Africa took the initiative to establish AFORB, alongside other dedicated partners, to address these challenges. By working collaboratively with the African Union, international organizations, Regional Economic Communities, national governments, faith-based and interfaith organizations, academia, legal professionals, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and all stakeholders, AFORB aims to advance the right to freedom of religion and belief through monitoring, legal advocacy, research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building.”
Amb. Hailu further noted that AFORB is envisioned as a Pan-African, independent, and non-partisan platform dedicated to monitoring, protecting, and promoting freedom of religion or belief across the continent. Guided by the principles of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—the Golden Rule, and the Document on Human Fraternity, AFORB will actively engage with continental and international human rights frameworks, including the Charter of the United Nations (1945), Article 1(3), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), Article 18.
The establishment of AFORB marks an historic step forward in advancing and safeguarding religious freedom and belief in Africa, further strengthening the continent’s ongoing commitment to dignity, peace, and human rights for all.
URI-Africa looks forward to continued partnership and collaboration with all individuals and organizations who share these values.
