AbdulRehman Foundation

The Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief is a significant international document that addresses the issue of religious intolerance and discrimination. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 25, 1981, and remains an important reference for promoting religious freedom and combating religious discrimination worldwide.The declaration emphasizes the fundamental human right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It recognizes that religious intolerance and discrimination can lead to conflicts, violence, and human rights violations. Therefore, it calls upon all nations to take measures to prevent and eliminate such acts.Key provisions of the declaration include:1. Non-discrimination: The declaration prohibits discrimination based on religion or belief and calls for equal treatment of individuals regardless of their religious affiliation.2. Freedom of religion or belief: It affirms the right of every individual to have the freedom to choose, change, or maintain their religion or belief, either individually or in community with others. It also highlights the right to manifest one’s religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, and teaching.3. Protection of religious communities: The declaration recognizes the rights of religious communities to establish and maintain their institutions, including places of worship, and to organize themselves in accordance with their own religious principles.4. Education and awareness: It emphasizes the importance of education to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for different religions and beliefs. It calls upon states to include education on religious freedom and tolerance in their curricula.5. Combating religious intolerance: The declaration encourages measures to promote dialogue, understanding, and respect among different religious communities. It calls for the condemnation of religious intolerance, hate speech, and incitement to violence based on religion or belief.6. International cooperation: The declaration encourages international cooperation to promote religious freedom, including through the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices.The Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief serves as an important framework for governments, organizations, and individuals to promote religious freedom, respect diversity, and work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society.