Lords debates Article 18
17 July 2015
On Thursday 16 July, members of the House of Lords, including a former Chief Rabbi and the director of the Network of Sikh Organisations (UK), discussed worldwide violations of Article 18 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
They also debated the case for the UK and the wider international community giving greater priority to upholding the freedom of religion and belief.
Members of the Lords began by looking in detail at Article 18 of the 1948 Declaration of Human Rights, which states ‘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’.
Peers highlighted the tolerance and respect of people in the UK. They asked how Article 18 can be made a greater political and diplomatic priority, and how people could work together to ensure freedom of thought across the world.
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