HRW calls French burqa ban discriminatory
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 July 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, HRW calls French burqa ban discriminatory, 3 July 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53ce3050b.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 03, 2014
By RFE/RL
Human Rights Watch says a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights approving France's ban on full-face veils is "discriminatory" and breaches the rights of Muslim women.
The court on July 1 upheld France's 2010 blanket ban on wearing the niqab and burqa in public, saying it did not violate religious freedom and aimed to ensure respect for basic democratic values.
Human Rights Watch, however, described the court's decision as "disappointing."
In a statement released on July 3, the U.S.-based rights watchdog said the ban had "a disproportionate impact on Muslim women" and breached the rights to freedom of religion and expression of those who choose to wear full-face veils.
France has the largest Muslim minority in Europe, estimated at 5 million.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
