Religion, secular beliefs and human rights : 25 years after the 1981 declaration / / by Natan Lerner.

• Superior document: Studies in religion, secular beliefs, and human rights, v. 2
• Author: Lerner, Natan.
• Year of Publication: 2006
• Edition: 2nd ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Studies in religion, secular beliefs, and human rights ; v. 2.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (248 p.)
• Notes: Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Religion, and beliefs related to religion, are today a central factor in international life and politics. International law, and human rights law in particular, have to take into consideration the religious dimension, and have done it to some extent. A body of positive law has already been developed for the protection of freedom of religion, and from religion, by the U.N. and regional organizations. This book, incorporating previously published as well as unpublished materials, discusses the legal meaning of religion and belief, the U.N. work in this respect, religious minorities, relevant regional and special arrangements, the issues of proselytism, religion and terrorism, the use of religious symbols, international criminal law, and some particular situations, such as the state and religious communities in Israel and this country's agreement with the Holy See. Law schools, human rights scholars and activists, and international organizations will find interest in the book.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction -- 2. The legal meaning of religion and belief -- 3. Religious human rights under the United Nations -- 4. The 1992 UN Declaration on Minorities -- 5. Regional protection and special arrangements -- 6. Protecting religious groups and communities -- 7. Proselytism and change of religion -- 8. Religion and terrorism -- 9. A secular view of human rights -- 10. Religious symbols : how wide the margin of appreciation? : the Turkish headscarf case, the Strasbourg Court, and secularist tolerance -- 11. State and religious communities : the case of Israel -- 12. Bilateral arrangements : the Holy See and Israel.