Today is
Human Rights Day, commemorating the 1948 adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 18 of the document provides:
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.
The theme of
Human Rights Day 2009 is non-discrimination. Article 2 of the Declaration provides:
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights released a
statement yesterday expanding on the concept of non-discrimination. After discussing discrimination against women and racial and ethnic minorities, Navi Palli continued:
Discrimination based on religion or belief can be equally destructive. In certain countries, members of certain groups are restricted in how they can exercise their religion or belief and deprived of their fundamental rights. In extreme cases such conditions may lead to sectarian violence, killing and conflict. Stereotyping can lead to stigmatization and isolationism.
