Freedom of religion or belief: understanding this human right
This page explains what freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is and why it matters to people around the world.
Freedom of religion or belief: why it matters
The right to adopt a religion or belief, to practise it without hindrance, to share your faith and to change your religion or beliefs are all key freedoms that everyone should be able to enjoy. The UK government is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities.
Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is a human right which has been guaranteed under international law within the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) since 1966. Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, states that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’.
What FoRB is
FoRB is not just the freedom to hold personal thoughts and convictions, but also being able to express them individually or with others, publicly or in private. It includes the freedom to:
- subscribe to different schools of thought within a religion
- change one’s religion or beliefs, including to leave or abandon religions
- hold non-religious beliefs
No-one should experience discrimination for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. This right prohibits the use of coercion to make someone hold or change their religion or belief. It also protects a person from being required to state an affiliation with any particular religion or belief.
As with all human rights, FoRB belongs to people, whether alone or as members of a group, and not to the religion or belief itself. This means that it does not protect religions, or religious figures, from criticism.
The link to other human rights
Where FoRB is under attack, often other basic rights are threatened too.
This can involve denials of freedom of expression, detention without trial, impunity for attacks on property and people, banning religious assemblies and unlawful killing.
Many conflicts have their roots in, or are made worse by, religious differences. Respect between religious groups can make it harder for extremism to take root.
Discrimination on the basis of religion or belief damages societies and holds back economies. Countries cannot fully develop while they oppress members of minority groups. Communities are stronger when they are fully inclusive.
Find out more: The Freedom of religion or belief guidelines (currently being updated) provide useful guidance on how the UK can promote respect for this human right, and further resources.