A Commentary on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child ─ Article 14, The Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience And Religion

Part of a series providing article-by-article analysis of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this volume contains commentary by Brems (human rights law, Ghent U., Belgium) on Article 14. She interprets Article 14(1) and (3)--stipulating that "States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion" and that "Freedom to manifest one's religions or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public, safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others"--in reference to their drafting and to the drafting of the analogous Article 18(1) and (3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. She also explores the issues that arise in which a child's freedoms are opposed to the rights or interests of parents or legal guardians under the provisions of Article 14(2), which states that "States Parties shall respect the rights and duties of the parents and, when applicable, legal guardians, to provide to the child in the exercise of his or her right in manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child." Nijhoff is an imprint of Brill. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Eva Brems is Professor of Human Rights Law at the Human Rights Centre, Ghent University, Belgium.