On 1 October 2013, the Parliamentary Assembly adopted Resolution 1952 (2013) on Children’s right to physical integrity, in which the circumcision of young boys for religious reasons is also referred to as being detrimental to the physical integrity of children. Though, it should be noted that old faiths like Judaism and Islam have been performing circumcision for centuries and still practice it as a religious rite which does not present risks for children and should be respected as a longstanding religious tradition.
In this context, freedom of religions is recognised in Article 9 of the European Convention on human rights (on freedom of thought, conscience and religion) but also promoted and defended by the Assembly which always advocated religious tolerance in several texts including Resolution 1928 (2013) on “Safeguarding human rights in relation to religion and belief, and protecting religious communities from violence”, Recommendation 1962 (2011) on “The religious dimension of intercultural dialogue” and Recommendation 1720 (2005) on “Education and religion”.
In order to enhance co-operation and dialogue with different religious communities in our societies, the Assembly should make further recommendations regarding tolerance of different religious practices (including circumcision), encouraging mutual understanding and respect, as well as better information and education on religions.