International

With reference to religious law, the following legal collections are of fundamental importance at the international level: the "European Convention on Human Rights" (ECHR), the "International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights" (UN Covenant I) and the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" (UN Covenant II). Therefore, you will find the most important provisions in this context below.

  • ECHR

    Link ECHR

    ARTICLE 9

    Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
    1.
    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 n public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
    2.
    Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

  • UN Covenant I

    Link UN Covenant I

    ARTICLE 2

    1. [...]
    2. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to guarantee that the rights enunciated in the present Covenant will be exercised without discrimination of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
    3. [...]

    ARTICLE 13

    1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to education. They agree that education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity, and shall strengthen the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. They further agree that education shall enable all persons to participate effectively in a free society, promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and all racial, ethnic or religious groups, and further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
    2. [...]
    3. [...]
    4. [...]

  • UN Covenant II

    Link UN Covenant II

    ARTICLE 18

    1. 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.
    2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
    3. 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.
    4. The States Parties to the present Covenantundertake 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.

    Article 27

    In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language.