Religious Freedom in the Global South

Dear Colleagues,

Literature on freedom of religion appears to be populated by global north perspectives, which largely dominate the mainstream discourse on religious freedom. The purpose of this special edition of the journal Religions is to create a space for contributions on religious freedom within the global south, particularly from Africa, the Arab States, Asia, Central America, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, Pacific, and South/Latin America.

In this special edition, which aims to embody an inter- and multidisciplinary approach, the following (and other) questions are invited to be explored: Do the approaches of countries in the global south to freedom of religion reflect a plurality of perspectives or do the commonalities outweigh the differences? How has history assisted in shaping the discourse on freedom of religion in global south countries? How do the legal frameworks of global south countries protect, promote or deny the right to freedom of religion, and what are the reasons for this? Is the right to freedom of religion in global south countries conceived as an individual, collective, associational and/or as a group, right? How do global south countries address potential conflicts when the right to freedom of religion undermines or is undermined by other human rights for example, sex/gender equality? To what extent, if any, do politics, religion, culture and law intersect in influencing and developing the narratives on religious freedom in the global south? Which other factors impact on how global south countries have developed their discourse on freedom of religion?

Scholars working in various disciplines in the area of religious freedom are invited to submit paper abstracts of no more than 500 words, which address any or all of the above questions and/or questions relating to freedom of religion in the global south that have not been included in this concept note. A focus on a single country or comparative perspectives between or among different countries is equally welcome.

Dr. Waheeda Amien
Guest Editor

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