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U.N. Commission Accepts Religious Safeguards for Declaration of Human Rights

June 11, 1948
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A provision safeguarding freedom of religion and the right to “practice any form of religious worship, teaching and observance” was included in the Declaration of Human Rights by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights following its submission yesterday by Dr. Isaac Lewin, Agudas Israel representative. Dr. Lewin stated that the text which he proposed was agreed to by the other organizations with consultative status to the U.N. Economic and Social Council.

The Commission also accepted a paragraph granting everyone an equal opportunity to engage in public employment and hold public office in a state of which he is a citizen or national. It also adopted a provision granting every person the right to “take an effective part” in the government of his country.

Barnett Janner, member of the British Parliament speaking for the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, before the Human Rights Commission, urged that provision should be made in the International Bill of Human Rights to safeguard groups and committee against incitement and violence on account of their race or religion. He argued that a safeguard would prevent the abuse of freedom of expression.

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