ORAL STATEMENT
Humanists International
UN Human Rights Council, 58th session (24 February–4 April 2025)
UPR Outcome of Portugal
Speaker: Miguel Duarte
Thank you Mr. President,
I make this statement on behalf of the Association for Republicanism and Secularism and Humanists International.
We thank Portugal for its engagement in the UPR Process.
Portugal is a democratic nation that upholds fundamental rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief. However, challenges persist regarding the full implementation of the separation between religion and state.
We welcome Portugal’s acceptance of several recommendations on the right to education. However, we emphasize that public schools must remain neutral spaces for all students. On this, we stress the need to prioritize the right to science, especially over state-sponsored religious education. The persistence of religious symbols, such as crosses present in classrooms, remains an issue; while some schools have removed these symbols upon request, the process varies, and resistance from local authorities persists. Additionally, there have been reports of pressure on students to attend religious education classes, compromising the voluntary nature of such courses. Moreover, teachers of religious education are paid by public funds, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer money to support religious instruction.
The same principle is at issue with the participation of state representatives in religious ceremonies, which blur the line between state and religion. Catholic celebrations explicitly sponsored by public institutions, such as universities or branches of the army, are still a common occurrence.
Additionally, Portugal’s acceptance of recommendations on combating discrimination in public life are welcome. However, we note that the Portuguese state continues to provide financial support to religious entities, including tax exemptions and direct subsidies. Public funds should serve all citizens equally, without religious privilege.
We urge Portugal to fully uphold its international human rights obligations, ensuring a fair and inclusive society based on democratic principles, not religious doctrine.
Thank you.
'UPR outcome of Portugal', Humanists International