E/CN.4/1991/56
page 16
discrimination on grounds of birth, nationality, political credo, race, sex,
language, religion, opinion, origin, economic position or social status'.
Article 29 says: 'Everyone is entitled to freedom of conscience, thought, and
to profess or not to profess a religion. No one may be subjected to coercion
that would impair these rights or compelled to declare his credo, ideology or
belief."
Norway
In its reply, the Government of Norway did not specifically answer this
question. However, in its general reply, it referred to it as follows:
"Article 2, first paragraph, of the Norwegian Constitution expresses the
right to freedom of religion as follows: 'All inhabitants of the realm shall
have the right to free exercise of their religion'.
Norwegian legislation affords equal protection to both believers of all
faiths and non-believers."
Romania
"In Romania, believers and non-believers are treated in the same way.
The law at the present time does not provide for any exceptions as far as
religious denomination is concerned. Today, our country, as an integral part
of democracy, guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, religion and beliefs
of any kind. In this regard, we would point out that, since the revolution in
December 1989, persons who are held in Romanian prisons and belong to a
religion are entitled, on request, to the benefit of a religious service."
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
"The Constitution of St. Vincent guarantees protection to all citizens
and assures equality of treatment whatever the citizen's attitude to religion
is."
Swaziland
The Government indicated that Swaziland is presently a
multidenominational country which affords equal protection to believers
of all faiths and to non-believers.
Sweden
"Believers and non-believers (agnostics, atheists) are treated equally in
all aspects."
Switzerland
"Belief, within the meaning of article 49 of the Federal Constitution, is
any relationship between man and the deity. Religion is viewed in a broad
sense. It includes the right to believe in a god, to believe in more than one
god, to believe in none, to believe in nature or in man in general. Although
freedom of conscience and belief relates first of all to a 'forum internum'.