The Essence Of The Definition "Religious Minority" And The Importance Of Characterization

In the 21st century, when at first sight the mass manifestations of religious intolerance have been overcome, and states have assumed the responsibility of respecting and guaranteeing the right to freedom of religion and conscience, the exercise of the right to freedom of religion continues to be targeted, subject to political speculation and discrimination. Summarizing the problem of religious minorities, it can be noted that they, being small groups of the population, are subject to various socio-cultural and legal challenges. Religious minorities, having their own unique beliefs and identity, need not only the protection of rights established by law, but also acceptance and respect by society. To this end, it is necessary to combine political, legal and social efforts to ensure their full integration and freedom to exercise their religious beliefs or convictions. By exploring this important area of human rights, the study aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue around the protection of the right to freedom of religion by proposing a definition of a religious minority that can help shape a more inclusive society and policy, protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs and registered as a religious organization. As a result of the analysis of international experience and different approaches of legal scholars, the following definition of a religious or belief minority is proposed: "The term religious or belief minority is defined as a group of persons actually residing in the territory of the state, which is numerically smaller than the main part of the population and (or) occupies a non-dominant position, has religious or belief characteristics and a desire to preserve its identity." As a result of the analysis of the given definition, the characteristic quantitative and qualitative elements of a religious or belief minority are also revealed, such as actual residence in the territory of the state, being quantitatively smaller than the main part of the population and (or) having a non-dominant position, religious or belief characteristics and the desire to maintain a religious or belief identity.