Routledge Freedom from Religion and Human Rights Law Book

Explore the legal complexities of religious freedom in this Routledge research volume. While human rights are intended for all people based on their humanity, this book examines how international human rights law treats non-religious and atheist rights-holders differently than religious ones. Through a detailed look at Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the text examines the gap between the claimed universality of freedom of belief and the actual practice of law. It addresses the existence of a hierarchy where followers of major established religions often receive higher levels of protection and lower levels of regulation compared to non-religious individuals. This academic work provides a necessary look at how the right to be non-religious is applied in global legal frameworks. It is an essential resource for those studying international law, human rights, and the specific protections afforded to atheists and non-believers in a world that often prioritizes religious practice.