Current Status

All international human rights documents protect religious freedom. Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights, to which Canada is a signatory, states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

Canada has a strong record on advocating for the protection of human rights internationally and often takes a leading role in the international arena. Although the Canadian government has made a public commitment to taking action on issues of religious persecution, it has taken limited action at this point. 

Members of Parliament may express concern about religious persecution and ask for religious freedom to be respected through correspondence or during international visits. Many MPs and Senators have indicated their interest in monitoring religious persecution and acting on behalf of the persecuted.

See the Persecuted Church section of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada website for more information and current issues of concern.