How society cares for the dead
Online conference
How society cares for the dead
A matter of freedom of religion or belief and human dignity
Dignified care for the dead is inextricably linked to respect for freedom of religion or belief. Religious communities provide spaces for mourning and remembrance, organise rituals such as funerals and memorial services, and offer patterns of interpretation that help to understand death and loss.
However, these central aspects of religious life are restricted or even deliberately violated in many parts of the world and in different contexts: Due to hatred against religious minorities and in the context of war and authoritarian rule, graves and cemeteries are desecrated or destroyed. Dead bodies are mistreated and the bereaved are left in the dark about the whereabouts of the mortal remains. At the same time, burial legislation is often designed in such a way that it is impossible for religious minorities to perform burial rituals in accordance with their religious beliefs. In the context of migration and displacement, there is often still a lack of awareness of the importance of caring for the dead in a manner that is sensitive to the religious beliefs of the deceased and their surviving relatives.
The first part of the online conference will provide a systematic overview of challenges and violations of freedom of religion or belief in relation to death and the honouring of the deceased, presenting concrete examples from different countries (Iran, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Italy an Germany). The focus will be on the far-reaching consequences of these challenges and violations for bereaved relatives, affected communities and society as a whole. The second part will discuss practical solutions.
The second part will discuss practical solutions.
Experts and political decision-makers will participate in the conference, including:
- Prof. Dr. Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief,
- Thomas Rachel, Member of the German Bundestag, Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief,
- Lamya Kaddor, Member of the German Bundestag, Religious Affairs Officer of the Alliance 90/The Greens parliamentary group in the German Bundestag,
- and other experts and representatives of affected communities and civil society organisations.
Organisational matters
📅 Wed., 15 April 2026
⏰ from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. (CEST) and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (CEST)
💻 Digitally via Zoom: the privacy policy of the provider Zoom applies.
📹 By registering, you agree that the event will be digitally recorded.
💶 Participation is free of charge.
💬 The conference will be held in German and English with appropriate language interpretation.
An event organised in cooperation with missio Aachen, Justitia et Pax and Renovabis .
