The first global survey of discrimination in religious rights and practices, proposed by Justice Philip Halpern, United States expert on the United Nations Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, was authorized by the Subcommission here. Arco Krishnaswami, of India, will conduct the special survey.
Decision on making the study of discrimination in the religious field was voted by the full Subcommission at the closing session of a three-week series of meetings. Two other global studies already undertaken by the Subcommission deal with discrimination in employment and discrimination in education. The group also voted that still another study, on discrimination in political rights and practices, shall be undertaken next year.
“The violation of the human right to freedom of religion,” Justice Halpern told the Subcommission, “is widespread and apparently increasing. Not only do these violations prevent the full development of the spiritual values, which are an essential part of the human personality, but they frequently involve violation of other human rights as well, including the right to security of person and the right to life itself. Whatever is done to re-establish religious freedom will help to recapture other freedoms as well.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
