THE MANDATE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR BELIEF: FRAMEWORK FOR COMMUNICATIONS Freedom to adopt, change or renounce a religion or belief UDHR “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief […].” ICCPR Art. 18 (1): “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice […].” 1981 Declaration of the General Assembly Art. 1 (1): “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have a religion or whatever belief of his choice […].” Human Rights Committee general comment 22 Para. 3: “Article 18 does not permit any limitations whatsoever on the freedom of thought and conscience or the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice;”. Para. 5: “The Committee observes that the freedom to ‘have or to adopt’ a religion or belief necessarily entails the freedom to choose a religion or belief, including the right to replace one’s current religion or belief with another or to adopt atheistic views, as well as the right to retain one’s religion or belief.” Freedom from coercion UDHR “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes 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.” ICCPR Art. 18 (2): “No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.” 1981 Declaration of the General Assembly Art. 1 (2): “No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have a religion or belief of his choice.” E/CN.4/2006/5 page 24 Annex