A Proven Defender of Human Dignity: Dr. Ján Figeľ Strengthens FOREF’s Global Voice
Vienna, June 1st 2025 – FOREF Europe is pleased to announce that Dr. Ján Figeľ has officially accepted the position of President of FOREF Europe. This marks an important milestone in FOREF’s journey to promote and defend freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) across Europe and beyond.
Dr. Figeľ brings to FOREF a wealth of experience and a lifelong commitment to human rights. As a former European Commissioner (2004–2009), founder of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology in 2008, and Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia (2010–2012), he has consistently championed democratic values and social responsibility. In 2016, he became the EU’s first Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB outside the EU, a pioneering role that set a precedent for several EU member states to follow.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Figeľ has been a staunch advocate for interreligious dialogue, religious literacy, and social responsibility. He has played a key role in securing the release of FoRB prisoners in countries such as Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, and Sudan. Currently, he serves on the International Council of Experts of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance.
Dr. Figeľ’s dedication to religious liberty is grounded in his belief in the universal right to human dignity—a principle he has championed through initiatives like the Punta del Este Declaration on Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere. One of his deep concerns is the global persecution of Christians, now recognized as the most persecuted faith community worldwide, with over 300 million Christians facing various forms of discrimination, violence, and oppression. He has consistently emphasized the urgent need to address this crisis while upholding the rights of all faiths and beliefs.
What drew Dr. Figeľ to FOREF was its principled, independent, and non-partisan approach to human rights advocacy, as well as its emphasis on public service. FOREF has consistently defended religious liberty for all faiths and beliefs, guided by the conviction that everyone, everywhere, deserves freedom of conscience.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Figeľ expressed his deep respect for FOREF’s work and its commitment to principled advocacy. “Freedom of religion or belief is inseparable from human dignity,” he emphasized. “FOREF is a proven leader in defending this fundamental right.”
As we welcome Dr. Figeľ, we also honor the exceptional leadership of our two previous presidents:
- Prof. Christian Bruenner (2005–2014), a distinguished legal scholar, former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Graz, Member of Parliament, and President of the Austrian Rectors’ Conference. Prof. Bruenner co-founded FOREF Europe with Peter Zoehrer in 2005 as a civil society formation under Austrian law, laying the foundation for its principled, rights-based approach to religious liberty.
- Dr. Aaron Rhodes (2015–2025), an internationally respected human rights advocate and former Executive Director of the International
Helsinki Federation for Human Rights. Dr. Rhodes expanded FOREF’s international network and strengthened its global impact. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to human rights, he was awarded honorary citizenship by the Republic of Austria.
Both former presidents served with distinction, each guiding FOREF for a decade and building a solid foundation for its continued success. Importantly, both Prof. Bruenner and Dr. Rhodes will continue to serve on FOREF’s Scientific Advisory Board, which constitutes a powerful resource of expertise and experience for the organization’s future work.
As FOREF looks ahead, we are confident that Dr. Figeľ’s leadership will bring new energy and vision to our mission: giving a voice to the voiceless, promoting human dignity, and defending freedom of religion or belief for all.