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Declaration of Human Rights: freedom of thought

10 July 2024

On December 10 last year, we began a series on Human Rights. While everyone talks about them, few of us really know what they are and what they stand for.

Articles 18 to 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights make it clear that human rights are not just about physical freedom, but also about freedom of thought. Whether it is a question of politics or religion, everyone has the right to live according to their convictions. Freedom of worship, freedom of expression and freedom of association are important and must not be curtailed.


Article 18, 19 & 20 of Declaration of Human Rights

Article 18: 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 teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20 :

  1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
  2. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

The Red Cross is naturally committed to defending Human Rights. This commitment was reinforced in 2022 with the signing of the national “Business and Human Rights” Pact. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the reference documents of the Code of Conduct and Ethics of the Luxembourg Red Cross.

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