Freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right that ensures individuals can hold, practice, change, or abstain from any religious belief without coercion or discrimination. It protects both private and public expressions of faith, such as worship, teaching, and observance. Although freedom of religion is a cornerstone of human dignity and pluralism, it is not absolute.
Ingvill Thorson Plesner – Freedom of Religion or Belief
ICCPR art 18
- Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, and teaching.
- No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
- Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
- The States Parties to ICCPR undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.
Religion and International Human Rights
Fernand de Varennes – Religion & Human Rights
Ingvill Thorson Plesner – Human Rights & Religious Diversity
Case study: Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Tunisian Context
Ghassen Ayari, Public Relations and Partnership Officer at Attalaki Organization, explores the right to freedom of religion or belief in Tunisia and how international human rights standards are adapted locally. He also discusses efforts by the government, academics, and civil society organizations to promote interfaith coexistence.
Ghassen Ayari – Faith and Freedom, Tunisia’s Journey
Additional resources
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- Un Special Rapporteurs digest , Freedom of Religion or Belief (tips/ guidance) (link)
- Attalaki, Religious Freedom: A Sociological, Constitutional, Legal Approach (Research paper) (link)
- Ikram Dridi, Evolution of FoRB in the Tunisian Constitution (expert video) (link)
- FORB Learning Platform, Course: Freedom of Religion or Belief for all (link)
- FORB Learning Platform, Course: Local Changemakers (available in other languages) (link)
- FORB Learning Platform, Learn with Films (link)
Related Resources
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