The Forum for Religious Freedom – Europe (FOREF) is an independent, secular civil society organization committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and other fundamental human rights in accordance with international law. FOREF was founded in Vienna on December 20, 2005 by Prof. Christian Brünner, former Dean and Rector of the University of Graz and former Member of the Austrian Parliament, together with Peter Zoehrer, a human rights advocate and journalist.
FOREF actively monitors, documents, and reports violations of religious freedom both in the OSCE region and globally—including in China, Pakistan, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, and elsewhere. The organization regularly engages with institutions such as the United Nations, OSCE, Council of Europe, national governments, and civil society networks to raise awareness and advocate for victims of religious persecution.
FOREF has established:
Over the years, FOREF has played a leading role in defending individuals and communities facing systematic intolerance, discrimination, or persecution based on their beliefs.
FOREF affirms its commitment to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 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.”
Dr. Ján Figeľ was appointed President of FOREF in 2025. A respected international diplomat and advocate for human dignity, he served as the European Union’s first-ever Special Envoy for FoRB (2016–2019). His work contributed to the release of prisoners of conscience in Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, and Sudan, and influenced several EU member states to create similar envoy roles.
His prior leadership roles include:
Dr. Figeľ also launched the Erasmus Mundus program and helped establish the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), where he currently serves on the Governing Board. In Slovakia, he is advancing a network of Regional Development Centers supporting SMEs through green and digital infrastructure.
He co-initiated the Punta del Este Declaration on Human Dignity and remains active in global human rights initiatives, including the IRFBA Council of Experts and the IRF Summit Global Leadership Council.
Contact: figeljan@gmail.com
Journalist and Human Rights Advocate
Peter Zoehrer is a Vienna-based journalist, media analyst, and committed defender of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). He co-founded the Forum for Religious Freedom Europe (FOREF) and has served as its Executive Directorsince its formal establishment in 2005.
FOREF originated in 1998 as a media response to Austria’s restrictive laws on minority religions. Under Zoehrer’s leadership, it developed into one of Europe’s most active independent watchdogs for FoRB, monitoring violations by both state and non-state actors.
Zoehrer has participated in numerous international conferences, fact-finding missions, and advocacy campaigns. In recognition of his contributions to press freedom and civil society, he was awarded the Silver Pin by the Austrian Journalists Club (ÖJC) and is a member of Reporters Without Borders.
FOREF is followed internationally through its online presence on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and other platforms, and is widely recognized as a reliable source for religious freedom reporting and analysis.
Contact: manager@foref.info
FOREF’s growing community includes over 2,500 Facebook members, along with a wide international network of scholars, journalists, policymakers, and civil society actors.
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