Religion and Human Rights – European Puzzles

The chapter aims to highlight the complex and at times ambiguous development of relations between religion and human rights in Europe. It examines whether religions have contributed to both the advancement and violations of human rights, as well as how their engagement with human rights principles has evolved over time. The discussion is set within the context of European history, particularly the 20th century, which witnessed both substantial violations and significant advancement in human rights, often driven by opposing political ideologies. While political ideologies had varying relationships with religions, depending on the social contexts of different European regions, post–World War II developments primarily relied on a secular account of economic and social progress. Still, religion played a significant role in Christian democracy, the development of welfare states, and opposition to communist rule – all of which were crucial in advancing human rights commitments. In the recent period, the complex role of religions as both promoters and obstacles to the realization of specific human rights has reignited tensions, particularly concerning migration, rights of various minority groups, and gender and sexual rights.