Freedom of Religion and Belief in Correctional Institutions: The Case of Ethiopian Federal Corrctional Institution
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Date
2011
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstract
Freedom of religion relates to the dignity of humanity. It could also be considered as relating to the watershed distinguishing human from other animals based on the free will and conscience. It is one of the foundations of a pluralistic and democratic society. In its content the freedom encompasses the right to belief, disbelief or changing one’s belief. It also incorporates an aspect of manifestation and free worship. In the context of correctional institutions inmates have the right to freedom of religion. However, their right would be limited on grounds of security, order and enforcing the punishment which is deprivation of movement. This research paper analyzes the international and national legal and institutional protection mechanism in the context of correctional institutions. It further aspires to find out the adequacy of the national legal and institutional protection mechanism and test the enforcement in light of these standards. Consequently, it found out that the enforcement and protection mechanism are largely compatible with the minimum standards but that there are certain areas where improvements are needed. The major ones include issuance of detailed directive, the recognition of religions or beliefs followed by inmates, allowing the common manifestation of religious followers, following up cases of discrimination from any source and applying effective remedial mechanisms, creating awareness among the inmates about their rights, duties and the correctional institution rules in this regard.
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Ethiopian Federal Corrctional