The
European Convention on Human Rights 12.1948
The Governments signatory hereto, being Members of the Council of Europe,
Considering the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed by the General
Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1948;
Considering that this Declaration aims at securing the universal and effective
recognition and observance of the Rights therein declared;
Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is the achievement of greater
unity between its Members and that one of the methods by which the aim is to be
pursued is the maintenance and further realization of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms;
Reaffirming their profound belief in those Fundamental Freedoms which are the
foundation of justice and peace in the world and are best maintained on the one
hand by an effective political democracy and on the other by a common
understanding and observance of the Human Rights upon which they depend;
Being resolved, as the Governments of European countries which are like-minded
and have a common heritage of political traditions, ideals, freedom and the
rule of law to take the first steps for the collective enforcement of certain
of the Rights stated in the Universal Declaration;
Have agreed as follows
ARTICLES DEALING PRIMARILY WITH RELIGION
ARTICLE 9
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 worship, teaching, practice and observance.
Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such
limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society
in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health
or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
ARTICLE 10
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. this right shall include
freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information an ideas without
interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article
shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting,
television or cinema enterprises.
The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and
responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions
or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic
society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public
safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health
or morals, for the protection of the reputation or the rights of others, for
preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining
the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
ARTICLE 11
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of
association with others, including the right to form and to join trade unions
for the protection of his interests.
No restrictions shall be placed on the exercise of these rights other than such
as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the
interests of national security or public safety, for the prevention of disorder
or crime, for the protection of health or morals or for the protection of the
rights and freedoms of others. this article shall not prevent the imposition of
lawful restrictions on the exercise of these rights by members of the armed
forces, of the police or of the administration of the State.
ARTICLE 12
Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and to found a
family, according to the national laws governing the exercise of this right.
ARTICLE 13
Everyone whose rights and freedoms as set forth in this Convention are violated
shall have an effective remedy before a national authority notwithstanding that
the violation has been committed by persons acting in an official capacity.
ARTICLE 14
The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Convention shall be
secured without discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin,
association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.
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