Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief

Definition

The Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief is a UN resolution adopted in 1981 aimed at promoting religious tolerance and protecting the rights of individuals to freely practice their beliefs. This declaration serves as a vital framework for combating discrimination and intolerance, emphasizing that all human beings should be treated equally regardless of their religion or belief. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and respect for human rights in fostering a peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Declaration emphasizes the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as fundamental human rights that should be universally respected.
2. It calls for states to adopt necessary legislative measures to prevent and eliminate discrimination based on religion or belief.
3. The document also encourages educational initiatives to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for diverse religious beliefs.
4. Adoption of the Declaration marked a significant step in international efforts to address intolerance and discrimination on a global scale.
5. The Declaration serves as a guiding principle for various UN agencies and member states when implementing policies related to religious freedom and anti-discrimination.

Review Questions

• How does the Declaration address the relationship between individual rights and community harmony?
  • The Declaration emphasizes that individual rights, particularly the right to religious freedom, are essential for achieving community harmony. By protecting individuals' rights to practice their religion freely, it fosters an environment where diverse beliefs can coexist peacefully. The document suggests that respecting and promoting these individual rights not only benefits those practicing different religions but also strengthens social cohesion within communities.
• What measures does the Declaration recommend for states to eliminate discrimination based on religion or belief?
  • The Declaration recommends that states enact legislation aimed at preventing discrimination based on religion or belief, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities regardless of their faith. Additionally, it urges states to provide training and resources for law enforcement and public officials to recognize and address incidents of intolerance. The emphasis is on creating a legal framework that supports both protection against discrimination and promotion of religious tolerance through public policy.
• Evaluate the impact of the Declaration on international human rights law concerning religious freedom and tolerance.
  • The impact of the Declaration on international human rights law is significant as it laid a foundational framework for subsequent treaties and resolutions related to religious freedom. By articulating clear standards against intolerance and discrimination, it has influenced various international agreements and national laws aimed at safeguarding religious rights. Moreover, it has provided advocacy groups with a powerful tool to challenge injustices faced by religious minorities, thereby promoting a culture of tolerance and respect in international law.

Related terms

Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status.

Religious Freedom: The right of individuals to practice any religion or none at all without interference or coercion from the government or other entities.

Discrimination: Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion.