Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief
    Symbolic image of world religions, depicted in the form of graffiti on a cement surface: four red figures symbolise different religions

    Legal basis Freedom of religion or belief

    For many people, their religion or belief is a central part of their lives. It is part of their identity, it shapes the way they view the world and how they live, and it connects people across nations, regions and cultures.

    The human right to freedom of opinion, conscience, religion or belief, to give the right its full title, is enshrined for example in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These are the most important international standards.


    “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.”

    Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.”

    Article 18 of the International Covenant

    “Freedom of faith and of conscience and freedom to profess a religious or philosophical creed shall be inviolable.”

    Article 4(1) of the German Basic Law

    The German Basic Law also guarantees freedom of religion or belief. This includes freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest and practice one’s religion or belief. That also includes the freedom to convert to another religion and the freedom not to have any religion or belief (negative freedom of religion).

    Human rights are indivisible and universal

    Cover: Strengthening freedom of religion or belief

    Strengthening freedom of religion or belief

    Frank Schwabe, Federal Government Commissioner for Global Freedom of Religion or Belief

    PDF | 11/2022 | 1 MB, 4 Pages | Accessible
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    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ratification of the International Covenant and other human rights conventions and agreements by most of the countries in the world mean that human rights are universally binding. The principle of human rights derives from the inherent dignity of human beings.

    The desire for a world in which people enjoy freedom of speech and freedom of religion, and freedom from fear and want is recognised in the second paragraph of the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the highest aspiration of the common people. This means that freedom of belief in combination with the other fundamental freedoms is of central importance.

    Freedom of religion or belief protects the individual

    The human right to freedom of opinion, conscience, religion or belief does not protect a religion as such, it protects each person as an individual. Religions or traditions should not be misused in order to violate or qualify human rights. This applies especially to women’s rights or the persecution of people because of their sexual orientation.

    As at: 26.02.2024