Freedom of thought, conscience and religion underpins many of the other human rights that every person should enjoy, including freedom of expression. This is why this precious right is enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, we cannot take this freedom for granted.

The Global Charter of Conscience brings religious and worldview tolerance back to the centre of public debate.

It was launched at the European Parliament on 20^th June, 2012, followed by similar launches in several nations.

The Charter has been drafted by people of many faiths and none, politicians of many persuasions, academics and NGOs, all committed to “freedom of thought, conscience and religion” for people of all faiths and none.

The Charter calls for the cultivation of civility and the construction of a civil public square that maximises freedom for everyone. It provides a vision and framework to help us discuss and resolve our present problems in a constructive, rights-honouring manner. This long term endeavour is now even more important than it was at its 2012 launch.

As human interconnectedness increases with globalisation and online interaction, differences of belief can collide. The Global Charter of Conscience explains principles which will make it possible for human beings to live together with their deep differences.

The Charter outlines the vision of a civil public square, emphasising that

• freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a fundamental right for people of all faiths and none.
• This right undergirds the rights to freedom of expression and of assembly.
• The state’s role is to guard these rights for all through the rule of law.
• These rights are not dependent on the will of the majority.
• People have the right to believe, express and live according to their conscience. Legal limitations should be proportional and prescribed in law.
• A freely agreed covenant is needed where everyone understands they are responsible for the freedoms of everyone else.

Since the Charter’s launch in 2012, intolerance between those of different religions and worldviews has only increased. Whether this intolerance is expressed in armed conflict, terrorism, discrimination or unjustified silencing of expression, it is clear that a new vision is needed to change our direction of travel.

A Charter cannot change the world. But, we invite you to consider the content of the Global Charter of Conscience and to reflect with others people of good will on how we can help to make the world genuinely “safer for diversity”.