Freedom of religion or belief in times of migration

This paper presents a reflection on the impact of immigration on religious diversity in Europe, drawing insights from the key discussions at the Modena 2022 orfect conference. It examines how immigration has transformed the religious landscape of Europe, introducing new beliefs and enhancing the visibility of existing religious minorities and also touches upon the rise in global religious persecutions and their implications for religious freedom and social cohesion in Europe. It emphasizes the need for effective legal frameworks and policies to safeguard religious practices and foster an inclusive environment. The Modena conference, organized by The Observatory on Religious Freedom in the European Court of Human Rights (orfect), is highlighted as a significant forum that contributed to the scholarly discourse on these issues. The conference underscored the importance of balancing religious expression with the principles of democratic societies, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by Europe’s evolving multicultural and multi-religious context.