The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has launched a petition campaign calling on the United Nations and the Council of Europe to take stronger action to protect religious freedom. Announced on August 20, 2026, the campaign asks world leaders to respond to what ACN describes as worsening persecution in 62 countries.
According to ACN, 5.4 billion people, almost two-thirds of humanity, live in places where individuals and communities face harassment, violence, and even death because of their beliefs. The organization states that no one should have to choose between their faith and their life.
The petition letter is addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the UN General Assembly, European Council President António Costa, as well as democratic governments, ambassadors, and diplomatic representatives. ACN is asking them to permanently protect the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as enshrined in Article 18 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The appeal is based on ACN’s Report on Religious Freedom in the World 2025. The report warns that persecution, oppression, and discrimination have intensified in 62 countries, carried out by both state and non-state actors.
Calling the situation a serious human rights crisis that can no longer be ignored, ACN is urging international organizations and democratic governments to publicly condemn all forms of religious persecution. The foundation is collecting signatures on its website and has also invited supporters to follow updates through its WhatsApp and Telegram channels.