Abstract
This chapter examines the place of freedom of religion in a system of protection of international human rights. It argues that the human right to freedom of religion (HRFR) has a limited place within a system of international human rights for several reasons. First, the meaning of religious freedom is deeply dependent on contingent factors, such as constitutional history, the social outlook of the society and the presence of religious minorities. Secondly, judicial actors at the supranational level are keen to show deference to national institutions when faced with complex issues regarding freedom of religion. Thirdly, any international actor will have to factor in a strong requirement of national sovereignty when deciding whether or not to intervene on the basis of the HRFR.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights |
| Editors | Rowan Cruft, S. Matthew Liao, Massimo Renzo |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Chapter | 21 |
| Pages | 388-406 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780199688623 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2015 |