Geneva, Feb. 27 -- A high-level side event, titled "Blasphemy Laws and the Persecution of Minorities in Asia: Human Rights Implications and Paths Forward", was convened at the Palais des Nations during the 61st United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session on Friday.

Organised by Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), the session addressed the increasing use of blasphemy provisions to target religious, ethnic, and belief-based minorities across Asia.

The event highlighted that while international law protects freedom of thought and expression, blasphemy provisions frequently contradict these guarantees, often carrying penalties as severe as the death sentence. Key communities identified as particularly affected include Christians, Hi...