WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Human rights have a long history. Men and women are fighting for them since the beginning of time. They are the cornerstone, the foundation of a truly democratic society.

The fundamental premise of human rights is that each individual is a moral and be reasonable. Human rights are based on the principle of respect for the individual and his beliefs. One of the most important of these rights is freedom of religion or belief. This right is part of our own laws - it is guaranteed by the Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of 1958. It is also highlighted in international treaties signed and ratified by France. When we became founding members of the Council of Europe in 1949, and when we ratified the European Convention on Human Rights in 1974, we committed ourselves to protect and maintain freedom of religion.