The right to profess freely a religious belief. “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Art. 18). “Practice” includes the liberty to proselytize. United Nations’ General Comment no. 22 also specifies that “Article 18 protects theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs, as well as the right not to profess any religion or belief. The terms ‘belief’ and ‘religion’ are to be broadly construed. Article 18 is not limited in its application to traditional religions or to religions and beliefs with institutional characteristics or practices analogous to those of traditional religions” and protects also religions that are “newly established, or represent religious minorities that may be the subject of hostility on the part of a predominant religious community.”
« Back to Glossary IndexReligious liberty
|
« Back to Glossary Index
Related articles
Keep Reading
- Campaign Against “Cults” Launched in Lhasa—But What Is a “Cult” in Tibet?
Tibet was never known as a hotbed of “xie jiao.” They may have achieved some success during the pandemic—or the CCP wants to label dissident Buddhists as “cultists.”
- Fostering Spirituality: Four Levels of Freedom of Religion or Belief
Governments can be classified in four groups according to their respect of religious liberty. To achieve the highest level, Taiwan needs to solve the Tai Ji Men case.
- 20 Years of the World Uyghur Congress
In Munich, Germany, the major umbrella organization of the Uyghur diaspora celebrated two decades of operation with an important three-day event.
- Ukraine: Italian Money for Odesa’s Cathedral Heavily Damaged by Russian Shelling Urgently Needed
Promised Western assistance for religious places of worship damaged by Russia’s war should not be delayed by bureaucracy. Ukraine needs it now.