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Four UN conventions are particularly important for the protection of religious minorities:
The International CovenantonCivil and Political Rights of 1966 states that the rights set out in the convention apply regardless of a person’s religion or other status (Article 2). Article 18 states that freedom of thought, conscience and religion includes freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice and freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief, either individually or in community with others and in public or in private; and freedom to ensure the religious and moral education of one’s children in conformity with one’s own convictions. The convention also states that all persons are equal before the law and may not be discriminated against on the grounds of religion or other status (Article 26). Article 27 specifically deals with the protection of religious, ethnic, and linguistic minorities.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights | OHCHR
The International CovenantonEconomic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 states that the rights recognized in the convention (to work, an adequate standard of living, food, clothing, housing, and the highest attainable standard of health) apply regardless of a person’s religion (Article 2). Article 13 recognizes the right to education, which should promote understanding, tolerance, and friendship between all racial, ethnic, or religious groups.
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights | OHCHR
The Convention onthe Rights ofthe Child of 1989 enjoys more support than any other human rights convention, but its provisions are typically vaguer, and its application is limited by reservations made by many states when ratifying the convention. Article 14 states that the child has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, but that the freedom to manifest their religion or beliefs may be subject to limitations prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
Convention on the Rights of the Child | OHCHR
The Convention ontheEliminationof All Forms ofDiscriminationagainstWomen of 1979 condemns all forms of discrimination against women (Article 2). Women’s rights must be protected by law, and national penal provisions that constitute discrimination against women must be repealed. Most countries have ratified the convention, including all those in the Middle East apart from Iran. However, many countries have also entered reservations, for example that the state concerned will comply with the provisions of a particular article if they are not in conflict with shari’a law.