The Role of Religion in Constitutions Emerging From Arab Spring Revolutions

Abstract

This Essay examines the treatment of religion in the constitutions of two Arab Spring countries (Egypt and Tunisia) before and after their dictators were toppled in 2011. Though Western governments praised the post Arab Spring constitutions for protecting human rights, this Essay argues that key provisions involving religion contain significant human rights problems in both constitutions. The Essay argues that the international community must acknowledge these issues and urge compliance with the countries’ obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Keywords: Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Expression, Comparative Constitutional Law, Arab Spring, Human Rights

JEL Classification: K33