Model Secular Policy Guide.pdf

INTERNATIONALFreedom of religion, belief, and expression are fundamental American values. They are enshrined in theConstitution and echoed in international human rights law. As a leader in the international community,the U.S. should actively participate in global efforts to protect these vital freedoms.The Right to Freedom of Religion, Belief, andExpression in International LawSeveral key international agreements approved by the United Nations (UN) enshrine freedom ofreligion, belief, and expression as basic international human rights. The Universal Declaration of HumanRights (UNDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, states:“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedomto change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and inpublic or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”(Article 18)“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to holdopinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through anymedia and regardless of frontiers.” (Article 19) 98The UNDHR gained the force of international law in 1966under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which states:“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shallinclude freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, eitherindividually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or beliefin worship, observance, practice and teaching.” (Article 18)“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek,receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, inwriting or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.” (Article 19) 99As an international treaty, the ICCPR is legally binding on its signatories.38