Portrait in Faith – Jan Figel has the demeanor of someone who is neither in a hurry nor easily rattled. He carries with him the quiet assurance of someone who has spent decades working through intricate negotiations, shaping delicate frameworks, and quietly, but firmly, standing up for those whose voices have been silenced. As the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief, Figel has become a linchpin in the often contentious and challenging realm of international religious rights. His work, marked not by rhetoric but by pragmatic action, stands as a testament to the power of sustained, principled diplomacy in the face of the world’s greatest injustices.
Born in Slovakia, Figel grew up in a Europe at a crossroads, where the forces of history, religion, and politics collided and where the yearning for greater personal freedoms had only recently emerged from the shadows of Soviet control. It was in this environment that he developed an early interest in human rights, particularly religious freedom, a concern that would guide his professional life. Having studied at the University of Bratislava and earning a law degree, Figel’s path toward political and diplomatic work became almost inevitable, for his sense of justice and his belief in the fundamental right of every individual to follow their conscience were central to who he was.
In the late 1990s, Slovakia was emerging from decades of Soviet-dominated totalitarian rule, and Jan Figel became involved in the Slovak political system at a time when the country was navigating its newly gained independence. His early political career was shaped by a determination to help build a society where freedom of expression and freedom of belief were fundamental rights, rather than privileges or anomalies. Figel’s understanding of religious liberty was always broader than the narrow confines of one’s personal faith; to him, it was about the very architecture of a free society, about creating a public space in which all voices could speak without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Jan Figel’s deep commitment to these ideals took him to the European stage in 2004, when Slovakia joined the European Union. His ascent was swift, and soon he was appointed as Slovakia’s Minister for Transport, Posts, and Telecommunications. However, his devotion to human rights remained steadfast, even in a role that required him to focus on infrastructure. When the opportunity arose to advocate for greater religious freedoms on the EU stage, he found himself drawn once again to the global conversation on religious liberty.
In 2016, after serving as Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and as a key figure in EU diplomatic circles, Figel was appointed as the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief. In this capacity, he has served as both a voice of advocacy and a mediator, navigating delicate international waters where religious freedoms are threatened by authoritarian regimes, radical ideologies, and growing intolerance.
At the heart of Figel’s work lies an understanding that religious freedom is inextricably linked to the health of democracy itself. In countries where religious rights are under attack, it is not only faith that suffers — it is the entire social fabric. Without the ability to believe freely, without the space to practice and express faith openly, individuals are deprived of a central aspect of their humanity. It is this conviction that has made Figel a tireless advocate for the rights of minority faith communities, particularly in regions where those communities are most vulnerable.
His approach to diplomacy is distinct. While others may shout or appeal to emotion, Figel’s method is more akin to the patient work of a mediator. He has always been someone who seeks common ground, looking for opportunities to build bridges rather than tear down walls. In the halls of the United Nations, at conferences of religious freedom advocates, or in meetings with foreign diplomats, Figel’s voice is calm but firm, composed but unwavering. He is not a politician who seeks to dominate the conversation, but rather one who understands that the best outcomes are often those reached quietly, through thoughtful negotiation and a commitment to shared values.
One of Jan Figel’s most significant achievements as the EU Special Envoy has been his advocacy for the persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East. The region has seen a rise in violence against religious groups, particularly against Christians, Yazidis, and other smaller sects, as extremist ideologies have taken root. Figel has been vocal in bringing these issues to the attention of the international community, urging European leaders to take a stand in support of religious minorities. In doing so, he has proven to be not just an advocate, but a translator of the world’s suffering — bringing it into the halls of power, ensuring that those who are often overlooked are not forgotten.
But Figel’s influence extends beyond the Middle East. He has also worked tirelessly to promote religious freedom within the European Union, ensuring that laws and policies within the EU respect the right of individuals to practice their faith without fear of discrimination. The rise of populism and nationalism in Europe has led to a growing climate of suspicion and intolerance, with religious minorities increasingly finding themselves marginalized. Figel’s work in this area has been instrumental in pushing back against these forces, reminding European leaders that religious freedom is not just an abstract concept but a foundational pillar of the EU’s values.
He has also played a critical role in establishing and advancing interfaith dialogues, recognizing that true religious freedom is not just about legal rights, but about fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Figel has been a strong proponent of building relationships between people of different faiths, believing that through dialogue and cooperation, common ground can be found even among the most divergent beliefs. In a world increasingly divided by ideological and religious lines, Figel’s work is a reminder that peace does not emerge from the absence of disagreement, but from the willingness to engage and seek understanding despite it.
Despite the gravity of his work, Figel remains a deeply humble figure. His demeanor is far from the typical profile of a diplomat or political leader. There is no sense of grandiosity in his actions; rather, he appears more concerned with the results of his efforts than with their visibility. He is known for his deep listening, his ability to hear what is unsaid, and for his quiet persistence in the face of resistance. This humility, combined with his unshakable commitment to human rights, has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, even those who disagree with him on other issues.
In describing himself, Jan Figel once remarked, “I am a humble and weak man in service to my God and neighbour.” This statement encapsulates the essence of his character — a man whose service to others is not borne out of a desire for recognition or power, but out of a deep, unwavering belief in the importance of serving something greater than himself. It is this sense of humility that has shaped his entire approach to religious freedom — he does not view himself as a hero or a savior, but as a servant, quietly working for justice, without fanfare.
For Figel, religious freedom is not an abstract ideal but a matter of daily life. It is a cause that he has dedicated his life to, and one that he pursues with the kind of quiet intensity that is often overlooked in a world that favors spectacle over substance. His work is not about seeking glory or power, but about ensuring that people around the world can live their lives according to their deepest convictions — without fear, without repression, and without violence.
Today, Figel remains dedicated to the belief that religious freedom is essential not just for the flourishing of individuals, but for the future of society itself. His work continues to shape the contours of European policy on religious freedom, even as he quietly works behind the scenes to support those whose rights are under threat.
To engage with Jan Figel is to encounter someone whose values are not contingent on the current political winds, but on a deeper understanding of the world’s enduring struggles. His is a diplomacy of principle, not posturing; of conviction, not convenience. In a world filled with noise, Figel’s quiet resolve stands as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of truth, justice, and religious freedom is a path that requires patience, courage, and, above all, the unwavering belief that these values can, and must, be defended.
In the end, Jan Figel’s work is not about achieving personal success or recognition. It is about creating a world where people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs can live in freedom and dignity. And in this quiet pursuit, he continues to build, brick by brick, a more just and peaceful world for future generations.
