The international norm against ethnic cleansing is not just being swept aside. It is at risk of being replaced.

More aggressive tactics by authoritarian regimes and an upsurge in terrorist attacks contributed to a disturbing decline in global freedom in 2014. 

Iraqi civil society organizations and international NGOs encouraged the Holy See to use Pope Francis' visit to Iraq as an opportunity to promote peace and tolerance by bringing together ethno-religious communities and inspiring collective action to prevent further atrocities.