ABSTRACT
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child refers to religion four times. All rights ratified in the Convention are to be respected and ensured by participating states 'without discrimination. of any kind, irrespective of ... religion' (Article 2). Children have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 14). Religious background must be taken into account when accommodating children apart from their families (Article 20). A major aim of education is preparation for 'responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of ... friendship among all peoples', including 'religious groups' (Article 29).
