But it’s on freedom of thought and expression that the GCC document most seriously diverges from the Universal Declaration. Article 18 of the UNDHR says:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
The corresponding article in the GCC document (Article 6) says:
“Freedom of belief and the practice of religious rites is a right of every human according to the system (law) without prejudice to public order and public morals.”
Once again, the GCC has deleted the word “conscience” but, more importantly, it also makes freedom of belief subject to law, public order and morals.
This is fundamentally at odds with international standards which regard freedom of “thought, conscience and religion” as an absolute and unconditional right which cannot be modified by individual states. [al-bab.com] Read more
