Article 18

 “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.” 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. It was born of the international community’s determination to never again witness the atrocities that were perpetrated against human beings during the Second World War. Therefore, alongside the UN Charter document, world leaders drew up a road map to guarantee the rights of individuals across the globe.

Our Report

ARTICLE 18: FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY, highlights the current rhetoric of the observance of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and underlines practical measures that can and should be taken by the UK Government to turn this rhetoric to reality to protect the millions who are vulnerable to violence, discrimination and disadvantage as a result of its abuse.

Our first report, ARTICLE 18: AN ORPHANED RIGHT (2013) also examined the abuse of Article 18 rights worldwide, and what the British Government could do.

Our 2017 report highlights the growing abuse of Article 18 rights worldwide, and urges the UK Government to respond.