Freedom of religion and belief is not merely a right granted
by the government; it is a fundamental element of human existence. Everyone
should have the liberty to seek the meaning of life and explore the questions
that arise throughout their lifetime. To deny thisright is to deny personal freedom and autonomy, and to impose a specific
belief system on individuals. There are three key aspects of freedom of
religion and belief that deserveattention.
1. The Right of Conscientious Objection
Individuals have the right to refuse participation in
actions that
conflict with their moral or religious convictions. This
includes objections to military service, certain medical procedures, or
government mandates that violate religious or ethical beliefs. Governments must
plan and provide alternative solutions that respect these convictions,
especially when they are grounded in sincere religious beliefs. While this
right can be complex in practice, but it is essential and crucial for preserving religious
freedom.
2. The Freedom to Practice Religion and Belief
Practicing one's religion goes beyond prayer and worship. It
encompasses many aspects of daily life and personal expression. It includes
freedom of expression, the right to establish foundations and organizations,
build places of worship, participate in charitablecampaigns, and connect with other communities. It also includes the
freedom to request or provide assistance and to choose religious leaders
according to the practices of one’s faith.
3. Freedom of Choice Without Coercion
There is no legitimate legal basis or justification for forcing an individual
to change their religion. However, in conservative societies, religious
minorities often face violence—both physical and psychological—intended to
pressure them into abandoning their beliefs. Both in real life and on social
media, attackers often find open opportunities to target religious believers especially
when governments fail to take serious action against such violence. Government
institutions often misuse their power to force individuals to change their
religion or to adopt a specific belief system. For example, requiring religious
conversion as a condition for
access to education or employment opportunities.