C. Obligation to Protect Religious Pluralism
International provisions:
Article 18 UDHR:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes
freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with
others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice,
worship and observance.
Article 18 ICCPR
1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall
include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either
individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or
belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a
religion or belief of his choice.
3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are
prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the
fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of
parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of
their children in conformity with their own convictions.
Article 30 Arab Charter
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and no restrictions
may be imposed on the exercise of such freedoms except as provided for by law.
2. The freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs or to perform religious observances, either
alone or in community with others, shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed
by law and are necessary in a tolerant society that respects human rights and freedoms for the
protection of public safety, public order, public health or morals or the fundamental rights and
freedoms of others.
3. Parents or guardians have the freedom to provide for the religious and moral education of
their children.
Relevant domestic provisions:
Articles 4 and 18, Palestinian Basic Law
Article 4
1. Islam is the official religion in Palestine. Respect for the sanctity of all other divine
religions shall be maintained.
2. The principles of Islamic Shari’a shall be a principal source of legislation.
3. Arabic shall be the official language
Article 18:
Freedom of belief, worship and the performance of religious functions are guaranteed,
provided public order or public morals are not violated.
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