ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book demonstrates the intention to include a conscientious belief as meriting protection equivalent to a religious belief. It offers a brief history of the development of conscience as a viable belief. The book moves into more familiar territory for international human rights by focusing on the treaties that codify the right to freedom of religion and conscience and considering the role of conscience within the normative framework of the treaties. It addresses the attempts to incorporate the manifestation of a conscientious belief within other human rights, generally the freedom of religion, expression or assembly. The book provides the platform for amplifying the practical possibilities of manifestation of a conscientious belief. It begins to address a group understanding of a conscientious belief and the role that such an approach can play in the human rights system.
