Abstract
The principle of secularism plays a pivotal role in advancing inclusivity, diversity, non-discrimination and other tenets which are essential to democracy and the protection of minority rights. Thus, this research focuses on a holistic analyses of the principle of secularism. As opposed to the limited approach of evaluating secularization in the context of divorcing religion from the state; this research rather focuses on the principle of secularism as a modus vivendi for accommodating religious diversity; and for enabling the implementation of sustainable compromises, and innovative ways for the non-discriminatory integration of religious persons in public institutions, without interfering with the efficacy and efficient operationally of the public sector. Thus, this research focuses on the principle of secularism, specifically in the context of the right to education and the right to employment as guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and other human rights instruments. Thus, concluding that adopting the principle of secularism, is an inexorable precondition for protecting minority rights, ensuring diversity, and for preventing the exclusion of vulnerable groups from institutions in the state.
Keywords: Rights, Education, Employment, Secularism, Diversity