Article 9 of European Convention on Human Rights

The european convention

on HUMAN

RIGHTS

The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, better known as the European Convention on Human Rights, was opened for signature in Rome on 4th November 1950 and came into force on 3rd September 1953. It was the first instrument to give effect to certain of the rights, in particular those to life, freedom and a fair trial, stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and make them binding.

ARTICLE 9: THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF THOUGHT, CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION

What does it say?

"You have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. You have the right to practise your religion at home and in public and to change your religion if you want."

• Everyone has the right to adopt a religion or creed of his choice, showing, individually or with others, both in public and private, their own religion or creed, through worship and observance of rites, practises and teaching.
• Nobody shall be subject to constraints which may affect their freedom to have or adopt a religion or creed of their choice.
• The freedom to demonstrate own religion or belief may only be subject to the restrictions provided for by law that are necessary to guarantee safety, order and public health, morality or fundamentals rights and freedoms of others.
• It is a fundamental right, because allows people to express themselves according to their full potential, but not an absolute one.

"You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind."

Mahatma Gandhi

Why is it needed now?