The United Nations Commission on Human Rights today unanimously adopted an article guaranteeing freedom of religion, for inclusion in the proposed covenant on civil and political rights.
The article declares that “everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, ” including the right to maintain or to change his religion or belief, as well as the right “to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.” It also states that no one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to maintain or change his religion. Freedom to manifest one’s freedom shall be subject only to limitations prescribed by law in order to protect public safety, order, health or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others, the article specifies.
Yesterday, the Human Rights Commission adopted an article on the treatment of aliens which forbids their expulsion form a state party to the covenant except in a manner prescribed by law. Except in cases of national emergency, an alien must be guaranteed a hearing, the right of review and legal representation. The Commission rejected a number of proposals seeking to add an article on the right of asylum to the covenant.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
