Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Where this freedom is upheld, human dignity, justice and peace can flourish. Where it is denied, oppression quickly takes root.

And yet, in many regions of the world, this right continues to be violated. Believers are persecuted, marginalised or silenced simply for their faith. As Pope Saint John Paul II once said: “Religious freedom is the litmus test for the respect of all other human rights.”

For more than 25 years, ACN’s Religious Freedom in the World Report has served as an authoritative and independent voice, documenting violations, identifying perpetrators, and assessing legal frameworks and trends in every country.