New Humanity NGO at the 61st session of Human Right Council
“Freedom of Religion and the Right to Spiritual Assistance Before Death”
At the 61st regular session of the Human Rights Council, held on 23 February 2026 in Geneva, a Joint Oral Statement was presented during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
Prepared by New Humanity, the NGO expression of the Focolare Movement, the statement was delivered by Mr. Jorge Dias Ferreira, main representative of the Geneva delegation.
The statement addressed the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and the experience of death, with particular attention to the importance of honouring the deceased and ensuring spiritual accompaniment at the end of life. It represents a summary of the written statement submitted under the title “Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Right to Spiritual Assistance Before Death,” written by Esther Salamanca, New Humanity NGO representative at the United Nations in Geneva.
📄 Read full text written statement