European Forum for Religious Freedom held in Frankfurt

The Forum for Religious Freedom Europe (FOREF), in cooperation with HWPL Deutschland e. V., hosted the European Forum for Religious Freedom and Human Rights in Frankfurt am Main on August 22, 2026.

Held in observance of the United Nations International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the event brought together over 200 participants representing thirteen different religions and belief systems. Under the theme ‘Voices be Heard’, the forum provided a platform for victims, experts, and community representatives to share personal experiences regarding violence, discrimination, and social exclusion.

Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany, emphasized during his opening remarks that religious freedom cannot be protected without the presence of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. He noted that violence manifests not only physically but also through silence, institutional inaction, and media prejudice, such as generalizing ‘sect’ narratives.