Freedom of religion or belief

The rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief are very closely related, both being “neighbours” in Articles 19 and 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, respectively. Despite a common misperception that these rights stand in opposition to one another, both rights are essential ingredients to free and democratic societies.

Freedom of religion or belief is the right to hold and manifest any religion or belief, without compulsion, including the right to change or renounce one’s religion or belief, as well as the right not to hold a belief or religion. Laws that seek to limit forms of expression merely because they are based on or affiliated with a certain religion or belief are in violation of free expression, and of freedom of religion or belief. Often, these laws are discriminatory by design or in their impact, targeting the expression of minorities or marginalised groups, in particular the expression of women. Blanket restrictions on what an individual can or cannot wear, for example, laws requiring women to cover their faces or laws banning the covering of faces, violate both of these rights.

Equally, censorship that is supposedly “in the name of” religion, such as prohibitions on blasphemy, are in violation of these rights. While States are required to protect individuals from discrimination and incitement to violence based on their religion or belief, it does not give individuals a corresponding right to have their religions or beliefs insulated against scrutiny, insult, or ridicule.

UN: Joint statement on countering religious hate
08.03.2024 3 min read

UN: Joint statement on countering religious hate

Click here to go to article
UN: Time to reaffirm commitment to Resolution 16/18
29.02.2024 7 min read

UN: Time to reaffirm commitment to Resolution 16/18

Click here to go to article
Denmark: Scrap law on ‘improper treatment’ of religious writings
09.11.2023 7 min read

Denmark: Scrap law on ‘improper treatment’ of religious writings

Click here to go to article
Denmark: Scrap the blasphemy law proposal
22.09.2023 15 min read

Denmark: Scrap the blasphemy law proposal

Click here to go to article
Malaysia: End use of vague legal provisions to censor freedom of expression
15.09.2023 4 min read

Malaysia: End use of vague legal provisions to censor freedom of expression

Click here to go to article
UN: Human Rights Council Session 53 concludes in Geneva
18.07.2023 7 min read

UN: Human Rights Council Session 53 concludes in Geneva

Click here to go to article
UN: New resolution threatens landmark agreement on religious tolerance
11.07.2023 2 min read

UN: New resolution threatens landmark agreement on religious tolerance

Click here to go to article
UN: Resolution on countering religious hatred could spark mass censorship
06.07.2023 9 min read

UN: Resolution on countering religious hatred could spark mass censorship

Click here to go to article
Bahrain: Open discussion of religion must not be criminalised
30.03.2023 3 min read

Bahrain: Open discussion of religion must not be criminalised

Click here to go to article