Reading W3/2: Declaration of the Elimination of forms of intolerance

Introduction to the Declaration

The Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief is a United Nations document adopted in 1981. It outlines international standards for the protection of freedom of religion or belief and the elimination of discrimination based on these grounds. While primarily a legal and human rights instrument, its principles are highly relevant to psychology, especially in the study of prejudice, discrimination, social identity, and child development.

Key Principles and Articles

Article 1: Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion or Belief

This article establishes the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief. It emphasizes the right to manifest one's religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance, both publicly and privately.

• Freedom of Choice: No one should be subject to coercion that would impair their freedom to have a religion or belief of their choice.

• Limitations: The manifestation of religion or belief may be limited only by laws necessary to protect public safety, order, health, morals, or the rights and freedoms of others.

• Psychological Relevance: The right to personal belief is central to identity formation and autonomy, key concepts in developmental and social psychology.

Article 2: Prohibition of Discrimination

This article defines and prohibits discrimination based on religion or belief by any state, institution, group, or individual.

• Definition: Discrimination includes any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on religion or belief that impairs the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms on an equal basis.

• Psychological Relevance: Discrimination can lead to social exclusion, reduced self-esteem, and intergroup conflict, all of which are major topics in social psychology.

Article 3: Discrimination as a Violation of Human Dignity

Discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief is considered an affront to human dignity and a violation of the principles of the United Nations.

• Human Dignity: Recognizes the psychological harm caused by discrimination, including feelings of inferiority and marginalization.

Article 4: State Responsibilities

States are required to take effective measures to prevent and eliminate discrimination based on religion or belief in all areas of life.

• Legislation: States should enact or rescind laws as necessary to prohibit discrimination and combat intolerance.

• Fields of Application: Civil, economic, political, social, and cultural life.

• Psychological Relevance: Legal and policy interventions can shape social norms and reduce prejudice at the societal level.

Article 5: Rights of Children and Families

This article addresses the rights of parents and children regarding religious upbringing and education.

• Parental Rights: Parents or legal guardians have the right to guide the religious upbringing of their children, considering the child's moral education.

• Child's Rights: Every child has the right to access education in matters of religion or belief according to the wishes of their parents or guardians, with the child's best interests as the guiding principle.

• Protection from Discrimination: Children must be protected from discrimination based on religion or belief.

• Well-being: Religious practices must not harm the child's physical or mental health or full development.

• Psychological Relevance: The balance between parental authority, child autonomy, and well-being is a key issue in developmental and educational psychology.

Article 6: Specific Freedoms Included

This article enumerates specific freedoms that are part of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief.

• To worship or assemble in connection with a religion or belief, and to establish and maintain places for these purposes.

• To establish and maintain appropriate charitable or humanitarian institutions.

• To make, acquire, and use necessary articles and materials related to religious rites or customs.

• To write, issue, and disseminate relevant publications.

• To teach a religion or belief in suitable places.

• To solicit and receive voluntary financial and other contributions.

• Psychological Relevance: These freedoms support the development of group identity, community belonging, and the transmission of cultural values.

Article 7: Implementation in National Legislation

Rights and freedoms in the Declaration must be reflected in national laws to ensure practical access for all individuals.

• Legal Psychology: The translation of international norms into national law affects the lived experiences of individuals and groups.

Article 8: Non-Derogation Clause

Nothing in the Declaration should be interpreted as limiting or taking away any rights defined in other international human rights instruments.

• Human Rights Framework: Ensures that the Declaration complements, rather than restricts, existing rights.

Summary Table: Key Rights and Protections

Article	Main Principle	Psychological Relevance
1	Freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief	Identity, autonomy, self-expression
2	Prohibition of discrimination	Prejudice, social exclusion, intergroup relations
3	Discrimination as violation of dignity	Self-esteem, marginalization
4	State responsibility to prevent discrimination	Social norms, policy impact
5	Rights of children and families	Child development, parental influence
6	Specific freedoms (worship, teaching, etc.)	Group identity, cultural transmission
7	Implementation in national law	Legal psychology, access to rights
8	Non-derogation of other rights	Comprehensive human rights protection

Applications in Psychology

• Social Psychology: Understanding the roots and effects of religious intolerance and discrimination, and strategies for promoting tolerance and inclusion.

• Developmental Psychology: Examining the impact of religious upbringing and discrimination on child development and identity formation.

• Community and Cross-Cultural Psychology: Studying how legal protections and social norms influence intergroup relations and minority rights.

Additional info: The Declaration is not legally binding but serves as a guiding framework for international and national policies. Its principles are foundational for research and practice in psychology related to human rights, diversity, and social justice.