Part I | Brief Summary

Category D | Human Rights

Topic 18 | ICCPR Article 18

Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantees individuals the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. As of 2024, 174 countries have ratified the ICCPR, which means these countries have made a solemn, legally binding commitment to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This includes the right of individuals to adopt a religion or belief of their choice; to practice a religion or belief in public or private, individually or in a community; and to be free from coercion that would limit the freedom to choose a religion or belief.