FOR GOOD OR FOR ILL: Religion counts in war and peace.

The article focuses on a report by Professor Nazila Ghanea, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, presented during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ghanea emphasizes that freedom of religion or belief is integral to achieving "positive peace," which involves respect and empathy beyond merely the absence of violence. She highlights the dual role of religion as both a potential source of conflict—when exploited by political actors—and a foundation for nonviolent peacebuilding, citing figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King as examples. The report argues that preserving independence of thought and respecting religious freedom at local and municipal levels can reduce polarization and strengthen efforts in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.