What is religious freedom?

Religious freedom means more than just freedom to believe what you want. It includes the freedom to worship, to act according to your beliefs, and to talk about and share your beliefs. These rights apply to both individuals and groups, subject to narrow limitations discussed below.

The universal declaration of Human Rights (udhr)—adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948—begins by recognizing “the inherent dignity and . . . the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family [as] the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” In keeping with this acknowledgment, a group of prominent experts and government leaders specializing in human rights and constitutional law built upon preparatory drafts to revise, refine, and issue the Punta del Este Declaration on Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere. Opened for signature at the conclusion of the conference, the Declaration was initially signed by 68 original signatories from 35 countries.