GEO
Freedom of Religion and Belief
Freedom of religion and belief is one of the basic civil-political rights of person. Based on the principle that Everyone is free by birth and is equal before law regardless of race, color, language, sex, religion, political and other opinions, national, ethnic and social belonging, origin, property and title, place of residence (Art., 14), we believe in that Everyone has the right to freedom of speech, though, conscience, religion and belief, The persecution of a person on the account of his/her speech, though, religion or belief as well as the compulsion to express his/her opinion about them shall be impermissible (Art., 19)
The Constitution of Georgia, with above mentioned statements, declares the protection for the freedom of religion and belief, but the reality clearly differs from what is declared by various legal acts. There still is a gap between the officially recognized rights and freedoms and their real implementation in every day life of the country.
The problem is a comprehensive. We face the facts of public religious intolerance against religious minorities; religious legislature needs to be improved, those facts of religious violence in the recent history as well as the general background for religious violence are not combated yet.
In this regard it is very important to promote the inter-faith dialogue, respect for diversity and rights of others, broad public awareness campaigns and etc.
Coming from all above mentioned, the Union "Century 21" is focused on various activities aimed at promoting and protecting freedom of religion and belief.
We strongly affirm our commitment to live in multicultural, multinational country built on the principles of equality and justice.
The Union "Century 21" conducts periodic analysis and reporting on recent amendments and legal initiatives related to the freedom of religion and belief. The latest report "Registration of Religious Organisations in Georgia" was published in June 2005.
In 2002-2003 the Union "Century 21" provided legal consultations to the victims of religious violence, included free of charge legal aid and the representation at courts.
In 2002-2003 experts employed at the project For the Freedom of Religion and Belief organized radio talk-shows on various topics related to the problems of freedom of religion and belief. For the talk-shows were invited local experts and human rights defenders, as well as representatives of relevant state structures.
International Conference: "Religion, Law and Tolerance in Georgia: International Standards and Domestic Needs" was held on 6-7 December, 2004 in Tbilisi at Tbilisi Marriott. The conference was supported by the OSCE/ODIHR, Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief and BYU International Centre for Law and Religion Studies.
The information about the work already achieved and the problems identified has been presented at the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting from 19-30 September, 2005 in Warsaw, (Poland).