On Tuesday, 29 November 2016 the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on The status of the human right to freedom of religion or belief. 

The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions addressing the terms of reference by Monday, 7 August 2017. On line submissions can be made on this page. For information on how to make a submission, go to our Making a submission to a Committee Inquiry page or contact the Secretariat on +61 2 6277 2313 or religionorbelief@aph.gov.au.

Details of individual cases

While the Committee is concerned for the welfare of individuals who have, or may, face discrimination or persecution on the basis of their exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief, the Committee is not in a position to investigate individual cases or necessarily to make representations on behalf of such individuals. 

Contributions from outside Australia

The Committee welcomes submissions to the inquiry from organisations and individuals outside Australia. However, such submitters should be aware that the protections of parliamentary privilege do not extend beyond Australia’s jurisdiction. The Committee is unable to protect submitters located outside Australia against possible harm. If you have any concerns that providing evidence might place you at risk of harm, you may request that your contribution be taken as a confidential submission. If you have any questions regarding parliamentary privilege or making a submission to the Committee, please contact the Secretariat on +61 2 6277 2313 or religionorbelief@aph.gov.au.