The International Association for the Defence of Religious Liberty (AIDLR) held its Conscience & Liberty 2026 Conference in Toledo, Spain, from March 24 to 26, bringing together approximately 70 participants from around the world to address current challenges to freedom of religion or belief.

Held under the theme “A New Era in Human Rights? Impacts on Freedom of Religion and Belief,” the conference convened scholars, legal experts, diplomats, faith leaders, and representatives of international organizations for three days of discussion and collaboration.

The event also marked the 80th anniversary of AIDLR, highlighting eight decades of advocacy for freedom of conscience and religious liberty.

Opening ceremony and international participation

The conference opened on March 24, in the Sala Capitular of the Ayuntamiento de Toledo, Toledo’s historic City Hall. The opening ceremony was moderated by AIDLR Secretary General Paulo Macedo and Rubén Guzmán of AIDLR Spain.

The proceedings began with a written address from United Nations Secretary General António Guterres. In his message, Guterres described freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief as a cornerstone of human dignity and, more broadly, a litmus test for the state of human rights.

A central moment of the ceremony was the reading of AIDLR’s 80th Anniversary Statement. The statement reaffirmed AIDLR’s founding principles and its commitment to defending freedom of conscience as a foundation of world peace.

Reflecting on 80 years of advocacy

The opening session also featured a documentary highlighting the organization’s history since its founding in 1946 by Jean Nussbaum. The film traced AIDLR’s engagement with international institutions, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the Council of Europe.

During the ceremony, awards of honor were presented to Alberto de la Hera, Ganoune Diop, and John Graz in recognition of their contributions to advancing religious liberty.

Addressing contemporary challenges

Plenary sessions explored key issues affecting freedom of religion or belief. This was complemented by dialogues between international actors and civil society leaders.

The program also tackled the geopolitical complexities of a changing world. A significant portion of the discourse also focused on the digital age, examining how AI and new communication technologies introduce novel forms of surveillance and discrimination. The conference concluded with a debate on the "Voices of Conscience."

The Declaration of Toledo 2026

A central outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Declaration of Toledo 2026, outlining key concerns and proposed actions related to freedom of conscience, religion, and belief.

The declaration presents 12 action points directed at governments, international organizations, and civil society, calling for strengthened protections and coordinated responses to emerging challenges.

The original article was published on the Inter-European Division news site.