Universal Declaration of Human Rights “Freedom of religion or belief is a complex, delicate and multi-faceted human right” Commentary Dr. Asma Jahangir Dr. Asma Jahangir is a human rights lawyer in Lahore, Pakistan. In July 2004, she was appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. Her responsibilities include the promotion of the adoption of measures at all levels in order to ensure the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief. Furthermore, she is mandated to identify existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief and to present recommendations on ways and means to overcome such obstacles. Dr Jahangir believes that in the context of a fast-changing world in which the universality of the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are sometimes challenged, efforts to raise awareness of, and respect for, human rights are more vital than ever. She considers that despite having been adopted 60 years ago, the Declaration remains of utmost relevance today. Article 18 of the Declaration on freedom of thought, conscience and religion has been at the 84 Dignity and Justice for All of Us centre of and guided Dr. Jahangir’s mandate on freedom of religion or belief since its inception in 1986. Freedom of religion or belief remains, nonetheless, a complex and sensitive fundamental right. For instance, while religious minorities and new religious movements face various forms of discrimination and intolerance, both from policies, legislation and State practice, Dr. Jahangir would like to recall that Article 18 of the Declaration protects all religions and beliefs. Of course, defining these terms is a complex and contentious task. That is why the Human Rights Committee, which monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, rightly argued in favour of a broad view of these concepts: “The terms ‘belief’ and ‘religion’ are to be broadly construed. Article 18 is not limited in its application to traditional religions or to religions and beliefs with institutional characteristics or practices analogous to those of traditional religions”.