Violations of Human Rights Under Religious Discrimination

Rasool Mogooei

PhD Student in International Relations, University of Isfahan

Religious discrimination refers to the unjust or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs or practices. This type of discrimination manifests in various forms, including social, legal, economic, and cultural restrictions, and can occur in diverse settings such as workplaces, educational institutions, communities, or even at the governmental level. Religious discrimination represents a significant challenge in contemporary societies, directly violating human rights. Freedom of religion and belief, as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), is a fundamental right. According to Article 18:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change their religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others, in public or private, to manifest their religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance” (UDHR, 1948).

Similarly, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states:

“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 their choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others, in public or private, to manifest their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, and teaching” (ICCPR, 1966).

Furthermore, Article 27 of the ICCPR emphasizes that individuals belonging to ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities shall not be denied the right to enjoy their culture, practice their religion, or use their language in community with other group members (ICCPR, 1966). The 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief also asserts that discrimination on religious grounds constitutes an assault on human dignity and a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter. It recognizes such acts as violations of fundamental human rights and an obstacle to friendly and peaceful relations among nations (UN, 1981).

Religious discrimination manifests in multiple forms, including restrictions on religious rituals, denial of access to job opportunities or education, and even physical and psychological violence. These actions not only undermine individual dignity but also weaken social cohesion, creating a foundation for internal and international conflicts. Broadly, religious discrimination occurs in four main domains:

1. Legal Discrimination: Many regions have laws that restrict religious freedom in favor of dominant religious groups, depriving minorities of equal legal protections.
2. Social Discrimination: Discriminatory behaviors by individuals or organized groups, such as violence, insults, or social ostracism, are common. A stark example is the treatment of Rohingya Muslims by Buddhist groups in Myanmar.
3. Economic Discrimination: Religious minorities often face barriers in accessing employment, resources, or services, with qualifications designed to favor the majority and restrict minority access, adversely affecting their economic well-being.
4. Political Discrimination: Exclusion from political participation due to religious beliefs results in disenfranchisement, limiting minority influence in shaping their political destiny. A prominent example is the exclusion of Bahrain’s Shia majority from political power, controlled by the Sunni minority.

Neglecting the rights of religious minorities has far-reaching consequences, not just for these groups but also for states and broader regions. Key challenges include:

• Radicalization: Restrictions often drive minorities toward armed radicalization as a means of seeking justice.
• Violence and Conflict: Discrimination frequently leads to riots, internal unrest, and even religious wars, as seen in Myanmar or the persecution of Muslims in Israeli-occupied territories.
• Political Exploitation: Suppressing minorities consolidates authoritarian regimes, increasing systemic oppression against other marginalized groups.
• Psychological and Cultural Impact: Continuous suppression fosters disillusionment, eroding religious identity and traditions over generations.

Despite efforts by international organizations like the United Nations, several barriers hinder progress:

• Lack of political will among states to implement international laws;
• Institutionalized discrimination within legal, economic, and social frameworks;
• Insufficient public awareness of human rights and religious diversity;
• Ineffectiveness of international bodies in enforcing relevant resolutions;
• Limited access to legal mechanisms for religious minorities;
• The rise of extremism and hate speech, especially through digital media;
• Cultural resistance to embracing religious diversity in traditional societies, such as Afghanistan.

References

• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://iran.un.org/en/node/25935
• United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights
• United Nations. (1981). Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/declaration-elimination-all-forms-intolerance-and-discrimination