An Introduction to the Focus on Migration and Religion in International Law: Research-based Proposals for Inclusive, Resilient, and Multicultural Societies

Migration and religion have always been intertwined. This intertwinement can be traced back to the modern age and the first half of the contemporary age, when religious minorities were often persecuted in their home countries and forced to migrate. In this context, international norms concerning the treatment of religious minorities soon emerged. Although these norms were primarily intended to maintain international peace and foster trade activities, religious minorities in any case benefited from them in a form of ante litteram human rights protection. Today, as in the past, many individuals and groups are oppressed in their own countries because of their religion and are forced to migrate abroad. It also happens that individuals who leave their country for reasons other than religion are then unable to integrate into their countries of destination for reasons related to their religion. In the current globalised world, religion has remained a key element of identity.