Statement by Minister McEntee on the appointment of Mairead McGuinness as EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief

Statement by Minister McEntee on the appointment of Mairead McGuinness as EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 26 March 2026
• Last updated on: 26 March 2026

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, has welcomed today's decision by the European Commission to appoint Mairead McGuinness as the EU Special Envoy responsible for promoting freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union.

Minister McEntee said: "I warmly congratulate Special Envoy McGuinness on her appointment and look forward to working closely with her on this important issue during Ireland's Presidency of the EU.

"As Special Envoy, Mairead McGuinness will play an important part in the EU's efforts to protect freedom of religion or belief around the world. Her work will be guided by EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion of Belief that were agreed during Ireland's previous EU Presidency.

"As Special Envoy, she will work closely with the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), EU Member States, local governments and organisations, religious groups, and civil society. Her role includes raising awareness about discrimination, protecting persecuted minorities through education and dialogue, and supporting efforts to prevent radicalisation and religious extremism. She will also promote respect for religious diversity and tolerance.

"Protecting and promoting human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is a key part of Ireland's foreign policy. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is a fundamental human right, recognised in Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution based on religion or belief. It regularly raises these issues at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the Universal Periodic Review process, which evaluates the human rights records of all UN Member States.

"Within the EU, Ireland works with other countries to address the persecution of religious communities. The current EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024), now extended to 2027, includes a clear commitment to strengthen efforts to tackle discrimination of all kinds, including on the basis of religion or belief. During its EU Presidency, Ireland will continue to push for stronger action in this area."