Distr.
GENERAL
CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4
27 September 1993
Original:
ENGLISH
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
GENERAL COMMENT ADOPTED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
UNDER ARTICLE 40, PARAGRAPH 4, OF THE INTERNATIONAL
COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS
Addendum
General comment No. 22 (48) (art. 18)*
1.
The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (which includes
the freedom to hold beliefs) in article 18 (1) is far-reaching and profound;
it encompasses freedom of thoughts on all matters, personal conviction and the
commitment to religion or belief, whether manifested individually or in
community with others. The Committee draws the attention of States parties to
the fact that the freedom of thought and the freedom of conscience are
protected equally with the freedom of religion and belief. The fundamental
character of these freedoms is also reflected in the fact that this provision
cannot be derogated from, even in time of public emergency, as stated in
article 4 (2) of the Covenant.
2.
Article 18 protects theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs, as well
as the right not to profess any religion or belief. The terms belief and
religion are to be broadly construed. Article 18 is not limited in its
application to traditional religions or to religions and beliefs with
institutional characteristics or practices analogous to those of traditional
religions. The Committee therefore views with concern any tendency to
discriminate against any religion or belief for any reasons, including the
fact that they are newly established, or represent religious minorities that
may be the subject of hostility by a predominant religious community.
* Adopted by the Committee at its 1247th meeting (forty-eighth session,
on 20 July 1993.
GE.93-18602
(E)