MORNING

6 March 2012

The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its interactive dialogue with the Chair/Rapporteur on the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.

Jeremy Sarkin, Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances, in concluding remarks, said the reports of the Working Group were the start of an engagement with the States concerned, in terms of implementing recommendations and follow-up. It was important that civil society participated as well. The Working Group believed in follow-up, in order to engage with States, civil society and national human rights institutions. The Working Group supported the newly created Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition, and looked forward to working with the Special Rapporteur.

Heiner Bielefeldt, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, in concluding remarks, said the more that diversity was valued, the more diversity there would be in a society; equality did not mean uniformity. Diversity meant equal respect for all. On questions related to dress codes, the Special Rapporteur reiterated what he had said last year that the right to freedom of religion or belief included the right to a particular dress code. A number of delegates raised the issue of religious minorities; violence against religious minorities might be on the rise and included extreme hatred, and took forms of islamophobia, hinduphobia, baha’iphobia and a number of other phobias.

During the interactive discussion on enforced or involuntary disappearances, speakers said that cooperation with the Working Group was particularly important for States that had not replied substantively to claims concerning enforced disappearances. A number of speakers emphasized the importance of country visits and urged Iran and Syria to extend their cooperation and respond to requests for a visit. The number of unresolved cases of disappearances still remained staggering and speakers encouraged the Working Group to continue its efforts to pursue cases in the over 80 countries where State responses had not been received. It was important that the Working Group coordinated with the new Committee on Enforced Disappearances to avoid duplication of work and to focus on the rights of the victims of enforced disappearances who were often in a state of limbo, stripped of their rights and unable to contact their families.

On the freedom of religion or belief, countries said that it was extremely difficult to arrive at conclusions and recommendations on freedom of religion or belief that would be applicable across the board due to the wide variety of national contexts. Speakers condemned attacks against religious communities occurring all over the world and said that greater awareness of cultural and religious differences and tolerance was needed. Many expressed great concern about the protection of the rights of religious minorities in several parts of the world, especially unrecognized religious minorities, who were subjected to violations and abuse. Speakers asked the Special Rapporteur to elaborate on a number of issues, including on a set of recommended legal conditions for the registration of religious or belief communities that could be used as a model in drafting and updating national policies; on the role of the special procedure in complimenting the efforts made by States to implement measures to combat intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons based on religion or belief; and on how he saw the issue of prohibition of religious dress code as a de-recognition measure affecting the religious identity of a certain group.

Mr. Sarkin and Mr. Bielefeldt presented their reports on 5 March and a summary of their presentations can be found in press release HRC/12/18.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Republic of Moldova spoke as a concerned country and said that amendments adopted as a result of broad consultations with civil society, including religious communities, had the purpose of reaffirming the commitment of the State to warrant equality and non-discrimination of all religious communities. Discriminatory provisions on the grounds of nationality were abrogated and the procedure of registration of religious cults and their component parts were significantly simplified.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue on enforced or involuntary disappearances and on the freedom of religion or belief were Italy, Uruguay, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, Mauritania on behalf of the Arab Group, Kuwait, Germany, Cuba, Japan, Thailand, the Czech Republic, France, Egypt, Brazil, Republic of Korea, Ireland, Colombia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Angola, Malaysia, China, Morocco, Russian Federation, Poland, United States, Nepal, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Ecuador, Austria, Iran, Australia, Belgium, Algeria, Bahrain, Georgia, Argentina on behalf of MERCOSUR, Canada, Armenia, Bangladesh, Romania, Netherlands, India, Norway, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Pakistan, Belarus, Croatia and Malta.

The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Human Rights First, International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Jubilee Campaign, International Association for Democracy in Africa, International Humanist and Ethical Union and Centre for Environmental and Management Studies.

At 12:30, the Council started its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing.

Statement by Concerned Country

Republic of Moldova, speaking as a concerned country, said the visit of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief represented a valuable experience and opportunity. The Republic of Moldova remained fully committed to continue with the development of the overall framework for the realization of the right to freedom of religion or belief. Amendments adopted as a result of broad consultations with civil society, including religious communities, had the purpose of reaffirming the commitment of the State to warrant equality and non-discrimination of all religious communities. Discriminatory provisions on the grounds of nationality were abrogated, among other reforms. The procedure of registration of religious cults and their component parts were significantly simplified. While the curriculum education for primary and secondary schools included a religious course, it should be noted that this course was optional and was given only upon request of the parents or legal guardians of the child. The Government was currently undertaking the necessary steps to provide safeguards and ensure that no negative consequences flowed from optioning out of religious classes. The Republic of Moldova was committed to continue fostering inter-religious communication and promoting a public culture of religious diversity.

Interactive Debate on Enforced Disappearances and on Freedom of Religion or Belief

Italy reiterated its firm commitment to protect and promote the freedom of religion or belief. A national observatory for freedom of religion was recently established in Rome. Could the Rapporteur elaborate on the specific protection needed to support vulnerable Christian communities in some countries and what would be the best way to raise awareness on the right of freedom of religion or belief?
Uruguay said that the Government would continue to investigate disappeared persons as a result of its past military dictatorship including the excavation of military bases. In 2011, the remains of Julio Castro were found in a military battalion compound which proved he had been tortured and killed in 1977. A recent law criminalized for the first time torture as a separate crime and Uruguay was committed to compensating victims of torture and their families.

Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said that freedom of religion or belief was a complex theme and the Special Rapporteur’s report touched upon complicated legal questions like the procedure for obtaining the status of legal personality for religious or belief groups. It was extremely difficult to arrive at conclusions and recommendations on freedom of religion or belief that would be applicable across the board due to the wide variety of national contexts.

European Union said the European Union was concerned that Iran had still not responded to the request for a visit, nor given information on the allegations of 536 cases of enforced disappearances made by the Working Group. The European Union urged the Syrian Government to cooperate fully and without delay with this Special Procedure. The European Union respected freedom of religion or belief, which included the right to choose, to change or not to have any religion, and condemned attacked against religious communities occurring all over the world.

Mauritania, on behalf of the Arab Group, said that religion was a big part of some States’ identity, so they could therefore not be considered discriminatory. Arab countries respected all religious beliefs on their territory. The Arab Group was concerned about human rights violations against and harassment and persecution of Muslims in many countries, including for the wearing of religious outfits. The Arab Group supported the Special Rapporteur’s remarks that greater awareness of cultural and religious differences and tolerance was needed.

Kuwait said Kuwait had reviewed the report of the Special Rapporteur with great attention, and underscored the importance of freedom of religion or belief. Article 35 of the National Constitution of Kuwait stipulated that freedom of belief was absolute as long as it did not undermine morality or public order. Incitement to hatred was prohibited. Kuwait supported awareness programmes on tolerance and intercultural dialogue in order to support moderate discourse.

Germany asked the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion should address the issue of recognition by the State, which would help improve the situation of citizens who did not adopt religious beliefs vis-à-vis non-State actors. Considering the recommendation to offer appropriate options and procedures for religious or belief communities to achieve the status of legal personality, Germany would be interested to know what criteria should be attributed to belief communities.

Cuba said with respect to questions of recognition, this was a broad subject that could not be fairly addressed in just a few lines. The Cuban revolution eliminated any preset which could be used to punish believers. There were over 400 religions in Cuba. Cuba asked for the opinion of the Working Group on enforced disappearances of the possibility of cooperation with other Special Rapporteurs.

Japan said it deeply appreciated the diligent efforts of the Working Group to promote positive and concrete action by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with respect to the twelve victims of abduction. The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was another important tool to affirm that cases of enforced disappearances should be punished as criminal offences and deter the occurrence of similar crimes in the future.

Thailand said that in 2012 Thailand became a signatory to the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. Thailand would appreciate learning about best practices and receiving technical assistance and cooperation from the Working Group on enforced disappearances. It was important that the Working Group coordinate with the treaty body on enforced disappearances to avoid duplication of work. Thailand highlighted the importance of country visits.

Czech Republic said that national conditions and procedures for the registration of religious or belief communities could under no circumstances be used to limit religious freedom. Could the Special Rapporteur elaborate on a set of recommended legal conditions for the registration of religious or belief communities that could be used as a model in drafting and updating national policies?

France said that the Working Group on enforced disappearances had been able to clarify more than 10,000 cases of missing persons, although over 40,000 cases still remained unresolved. France had provided additional financial support and a junior expert to support its work. France called for the waiver of the Working Group to be re-established next year and urged Iran and Syria to cooperate with the Working Group and arrange for country visits.

Egypt said Egypt regretted that the Working Group had not received the Government’s response to the allegations, although the reply was transmitted on time. Egypt would like Mr. Bielefeldt to elaborate on his vision regarding the case of non-recognition by some States of personal laws of certain religious communities or groups. Egypt asked the Special Rapporteur to elaborate on how he saw the issue of prohibition of religious dress code as a de-recognition measure affecting the religious identity of a certain group.

Brazil said Brazil had implemented the National Policy of Religious Diversity, which was based on three principles: respect for different beliefs, freedom of worship and the secularism of the State. Brazil was greatly concerned about the protection of the rights of religious minorities in several parts of the world, especially unrecognized religious minorities. The followers of these religions were subjected to violations and abuse. Could the Special Rapporteur highlight one or two examples of progress in this area.

Republic of Korea said the Republic of Korea rendered its full support and had cooperated closely with the Working Group in identifying the fate or whereabouts of those who had fallen victim to enforced disappearance. The Government noted with serious concern that three newly registered cases of abduction related to Korean Airlines flight YS-11 in 1969 had not been clarified thus far. The Republic of Korea urged the Working Group to encourage the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to carry out the necessary investigation.

Ireland said that violations of the right to religion or belief could be a deep wound not only to individuals but to a mosaic of society. Ireland asked the Special Rapporteur if he saw the value in encouraging a public policy framework for pluralism and equality. Ireland agreed that the issue of registration indeed needed to be addressed and said that States had the responsibility to provide non-discriminatory registration procedures.

Colombia said that 284 cases of involuntary disappearances had been solved in Colombia. Colombia had put in place a registry of disappeared persons and adopted a state policy which was clear and firm and had zero tolerance policy to enforced disappearances. Colombia also promulgated a law on restitution of land which established that public servants had the full responsibility to search for victims of enforced or involuntary disappearances.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea emphasized that Japanese abduction cases had been completely resolved through the sincere efforts of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and that persistent allegations of Japan on this issue were motivated by its political agenda in line with its constant hostility against this country. The only pending issue was the fate of millions of Koreans forcibly drafted and abducted by Japan during more than 40 years of its military occupation of Korea.

Angola said that although the Government of Angola formally recognized 83 of 2,000 religious denominations, it guaranteed and protected the religious freedom of all religious entities, their locations and objects of worship. A National Institute for Religious Affairs was responsible for assisting the executive to regulate religious organizations and to sensitize communities about different worship practices.

Malaysia said that States with a multi-religious character required more time to fully understand the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. Islam was the religion of the federation of the country, however, all groups were given the right to practice their religion. Malaysia asked what role the Special Rapporteur would play to compliment the efforts made by States to implement measures to combat intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons based on religion or belief.

China said that administrative laws in China protected against enforced disappearances and the Government had always supported and accorded maximum cooperation toward the Working Group on enforced disappearances, including responding to communications and making investigations in a timely manner. Women played a significant role in facilitating communication among States on the question of religious belief. Citizens in China had the right to believe in their religion of choice.

Morocco said cooperation with the Working Group had led to the clarification of 80 per cent of cases of enforced disappearances in Morocco, due as well to the rapid replies of the Government. Criminalization of enforced disappearances was included in Morocco’s new constitution, which involved severe punishment for the act. On freedom of religion or belief, Morocco shared the view of the Special Rapporteur to make the different meanings of recognition by the State distinct.

Russian Federation said the recognition of the legal personality of religious communities was important to freedom of religion or belief. However, religious associations had to be subject to registration and comply with all laws and legislation. The Russian Federation called on the Special Rapporteur to address questions related to Christian-aphobia and provide detailed comments on the subject.

Poland encouraged Mr. Bielefeldt to elaborate on how to effectively halt misleading perceptions of the concept of recognition in order to secure the implementation of binding obligations of States. Being concerned about prejudices and derogatory stereotyping of persons based on their religion or belief, what specific instruments could be used to combat such discriminatory behaviors?

United States said that cooperation with the Working Group was particularly important for States that had not replied substantively to claims concerning enforced disappearances. The United States further said that the number of unresolved cases of disappearances still remained staggering. The United States expressed its regret for the unfortunate incident in the Afghan military base and said it would do its utmost to investigate it.

Nepal said that most cases of enforced disappearances had taken place during the past conflict. The Government was committed to bringing out truth and was considering the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission of Enquiry on the Disappearances. The Government attached high importance to the protection of human rights defenders and was considering adopting a special programme to further ensure their protection.

Indonesia said that Indonesia had started with Timor-Leste discussions on the issue of disappeared persons as recommended by the Commission on Truth and Friendship. Indonesia had submitted a non-paper on disappeared persons to Timor-Leste for further discussions. Further, Indonesia continued to ensure accessible and updated registries of detainees at places of detention and confinement and to guarantee access to such places to family members and lawyers.

United Kingdom said that freedom of religion or belief was a fundamental human right and the Government condemned all instances of violence against persons based on their religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur noted that an official state religion was likely to have a discriminatory impact on religious minorities. However, the United Kingdom believed that this could be avoided through protective measures and policies for minority religions. What advice would the Special Rapporteur offer to countries in transition who were considering imbedding a state religion in their new constitutions?

Ecuador said that a Commission on Truth had been created in Ecuador to investigate the cases of disappeared persons from former governments and it had presented its first report in 2010, resulting in a specialized unit in the Prosecutor’s office to carry out criminal investigations under an anthropological technical framework. Ecuador had removed the statue of limitations and amnesty for any cases of disappeared persons. The Government stressed principles of pluralism and equality to produce a fair distribution of resources.

Austria said that people who had chosen a religion that differed from the majority needed particular protection. Austria asked if the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief had identified good practices in how States could offer options for religious or belief communities to achieve the status of legal personality at the domestic level. Could the Working Group on enforced disappearances elaborate further on the general comment that enforced disappearances represented a paradigmatic violation of the right to be recognized as a person before the law?

Iran said that freedom of religion and freedom to practice and manifest one’s religion included the right to wear religious distinctive clothing or headscarves. Regrettably, some European countries had imposed bans on the wearing of the Hijab. Had the Special Rapporteur ever examined the right for Muslim minorities to manifest and practice their religion in western countries? What were its recommendations on that particular issue? The primary task of the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances was to assist families. Iran said that four Iranian diplomats had been enforcedly disappeared and were held in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and called upon the Working Group to investigate those cases.

Australia said that the right of those belonging in religious minorities had to be respected. Australia was one of the most diverse societies. Nearly half a million Australians were Muslims, and all had the right to practice their religion. Australia implemented community-led strategies for overcoming intolerance. Australia was interested in knowing the Special Rapporteur’s views on pushing forward the agenda of the the Istanbul Process and on the positive role the mass media could play.

Belgium said that the Working Group had a special and unique mandate, and there was a crucial need to re-establish its waiver next year. The report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief mentioned the fact that it was difficult or impossible to apply the principle of a religion of the State without prejudicial effects on religious minorities. Did the Special Rapporteur plan to visit countries that applied that principle? Could the Special Rapporteur explain his views on the added value and follow-up of the Istanbul Process meeting?

Algeria said that the issues taken up by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in his report were extremely important and deserved further study. Given the rise in extremism, discrimination and terrorism targeting people because of their religion, Algeria reiterated the need for complementary measures to deal with racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance. There was no standard solution in addressing enforced or involuntary disappearances. Cooperation with the Working Group was extremely important.

Bahrain said that the Convention on enforced or Involuntary Disappearances was one of the most important international instruments. There were no cases of enforced disappearances in Bahrain and this had been established by an independent commission. Bahrain had introduced the necessary reforms and implemented them with full transparency. Bahrain reaffirmed its commitment to human rights issues and would pursue its compliance with international human rights instruments.

Georgia said on the issue of registration that recent amendments to its Civil Code had allowed religious groups to register with public legal status and ensured that the registration procedures were based on clear and transparent criteria. Georgia had continued to solidify democracy since its 2003 Rose Revolution and had been steadfast in putting human rights at the forefront.

Argentina, on behalf of the Common Market of the South MERCOSUR, said that MERCOSUR encouraged the Working Group on enforced disappearances to continue its efforts to pursue cases in the over 80 countries where State responses had not been received. It was important to focus on the rights of the victims of enforced disappearances who were often in a state of limbo, stripped of their rights and unable to contact their families. Laws of amnesty should not apply to those who had engaged in forced disappearances.

Canada said there were inseparable links between pluralism, democracy and respect for religion. Canada remained concerned about the rights of members of religious minorities, including the Ahmadis, Baha’is, Chaldeans, Copts and Falun Gong practitioners. Had the Special Rapporteur observed particular trends of violence against religious minorities and what were the key challenges for women belonging to religious minority groups?

Armenia said that Armenia had ratified the Convention on the Protection of Persons against all Forms of Forced Disappearances in 2011. The process of state registration for religious organizations was transparent and fair; 70 religious organizations were registered in the country. The Government was committed to adopting a law on alternative services, thus providing equal opportunity for performance of the duty of serving in the military through alternative services.

Bangladesh said that women were often victims of discrimination and marginalisation for their religious beliefs, and were barred from participating in educational institutions or sport activities. Moreover, many women suffered restrictions on the wearing of religious attires. Bangladesh was concerned about the growing tendency to defame religions in many parts of the world, and believed it was necessary to promote tolerance and understanding. Conferring status of legal personality was not a pre-requisite to ensure protection of freedom of religion.

Romania said Romania was concerned that Orthodox believers in the north of Serbia did not enjoy the right to practice their religion in their mother tongue and often faced administrative obstacles. Romania hoped that the Serbian authorities would make efforts to ensure the respect of freedom of religion for all. Romania agreed with the Special Rapporteur on the fact that administrative registration should not stand in the way of freedom of religion.

Netherlands invited the Special Rapporteur to share his views on the use of the term “inter-religious tensions.” It seemed in effect that in certain cases, economic, cultural or ethnic differences were also qualified.

India said that India’s Constitution guaranteed for every citizen the freedom of religion and faith as an enforceable human right. Political commitment, independent judiciary and free and vibrant media all acted as bulwarks against religious intolerance. The principles of pluralism, multiculturalism, democracy and tolerance were zealously guarded and valued in Indian society and made India a bedrock of culture of pluralism and tolerance.

Norway agreed with the Special Rapporteur that States must ensure respect for the right to freedom of religion or belief and must not depend on registration procedures. Those must be quick, clear, transparent and non-discriminatory. Women were more vulnerable to attacks and Norway wished to hear an analysis of the impact of fundamental societal changes as witnessed in the Middle East on rights of religious minorities and women.

Slovenia said that the world continued to witness State sponsored attacks against religious minorities and imposition of discriminatory laws and practices against some religious communities. Such conduct must be condemned. Reports on restrictions imposed by States on religious communities raised serious concern. Slovenia asked the Special Rapporteur to advise on possible solutions to discriminatory practices against religious communities.

Luxembourg said that the freedom of religion or belief was a universal human right that included the right to choose one’s own religion. The Government was concerned about an increase in acts of violence against religious minorities around the world and stressed the need for dialogue and inter-religious communication. How would the Special Rapporteur incorporate the crucial role played by women in promoting religious dialogue into his future work?

Pakistan said that it had extended an invitation to the Working Group on enforced disappearances to visit Pakistan and was currently investigating 10 cases raised in communications. The Government reiterated that the Working Group should provide more consistent information to States to assist them in unresolved cases. A commission had been established to investigate forced disappearances and Pakistan stressed that its vibrant civil society would help to raise awareness on protecting the freedom of religion or belief.

Belarus said that historically there had been no conflicts or clashes in the country on the basis of religion and that comprehensive legal measures had been taken to prevent discrimination against religious minorities. The Consultative Interreligious Council coordinated activities of religious organizations in the country. Belarus asked what mechanisms could be used to disseminate at the international level best practices in promoting the freedom of religion or belief.

Croatia said Croatia was concerned about the rise of religious intolerance and violence against religious minorities all over the world. It was essential to enhance the protection of freedom of religion. Croatia asked the Special Rapporteur what the main problems he came across were in relation to conscientious objection to military service, and whether conscientious objectors from different religions received different treatments.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta expressed concerns about the fact that almost a third of the world’s population had to live with high restrictions on religious beliefs and practices. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta believed that religious practices should be free of Government interference while they served the common good. Religious institutions providing healthcare or education to all citizens regardless of there beliefs were beneficial to the implementation of freedom of religion, and should not be regarded as a threat. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta would support the adoption of a new resolution on this issue by the Human Rights Council.

Human Rights First said that no religious community in any region of the world was immune from hatred and that was why Governments must combat violence caused by religious intolerance, confront hate speech and fight human rights abuses caused by blasphemy laws which stifled freedom of expression and could be used to persecute religious minorities.

International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism drew the attention of the Council to the negative trend in Sri Lanka where abductions and disappearances continued. The International Movement asked whether information on disappeared persons was provided by Nepal to the Working Group.

International Fellowship of Reconciliation said that it was encouraging that Armenia had not imprisoned any conscientious objectors since the joint communication from the Special Procedures. In Paraguay, the legislation to recognize conscientious objectors did not meet international standards. International Fellowship of Reconciliation asked the Special Rapporteur to provide an update on the status of his visit to Eritrea.

Jubilee Campaign said that one of the main threats to religious freedom was when States failed to protect religious minorities. For example, years of inaction of the Government of Nigeria had led to insurgency, killing and ethnic cleansing against the Christian minority in the north of the country. Jubilee Campaign encouraged Nigeria to extend an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief.

International Association for Democracy in Africa said that terrorist groups were involved in enforced disappearances in Africa, which constituted a threat to peace and democracy.

International Humanist and Ethical Union expressed concerns on the fact that citizenship was frequently denied to those who did not endorse the national religion. Many Islamic States considered that freedom of religion did not include the right to change one’s religion, and used the death penalty against such behaviour. International Humanist and Ethical Union called upon those States to bring their legislation in line with their international obligations.

Centre for Environmental and Management Studies said the attitude that one religion or the other was superior to another provided the motivation for the Al Qaeda’s of the world. Pakistan continued to maintain the blasphemy laws which provided a pretext to oppress Christians and other minorities. Laws had ensured that Ahmediyas were treated as non-citizens. The ongoing sectarian violence in Pakistan was a direct consequence of the country’s failure to ensure freedom of religion and belief.

Concluding Remarks

JEREMY SARKIN, Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances, in concluding remarks, said the reports of the Working Group were the start of an engagement with the States concerned, in terms of implementing recommendations and follow-up. It was important that civil society participated as well. The Working Group believed in follow-up, in order to engage with States, civil society and national human rights institutions. The Working Group supported the newly created Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition, and looked forward to working with the Special Rapporteur. General Comments were important in gaining further mileage in ensuring that States were compliant with the Declaration. The Working Group thanked France and a number of other States for raising the issue of resources, which was getting to a point where it was becoming even direr. Important issues such as children and gender were being considered by the Working Group and it would investigate the question of the relationship between gender and enforced disappearances. Translation was sometimes an issue in adhering to the six important points for considering cases.

HEINER BIELEFELDT, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, in concluding remarks, said that he shared many of the observations made by States in the interactive dialogue. Particular gratitude went to the Republic of Moldova and Paraguay for their commitment expressed during the country visits. Pakistan and others rightly pointed out the value of diversity and the Special Rapporteur said that the more diversity was valued, the more diversity there would be in a society; equality did not mean uniformity. Diversity meant equal respect for all. On questions related to dress codes, the Special Rapporteur reiterated what he had said last year that the right to freedom of religion or belief included the right to a particular dress code. A number of delegates raised the issue of religious minorities; violence against religious minorities might be on the rise and included extreme hatred, and took forms of islamophobia, hinduphobia, baha’iphobia and a number of other phobias. Typically the situation of religious minorities was exacerbated in situations where identity and control politics were mixed. A particular challenge was addressing gender discrimination and religious discrimination in cases of women members of religious minorities. The recognition was of an important symbolic importance. On the Istanbul protocol, the Special Rapporteur said he was very glad for the opportunity it presented for a richer dialogue on a range of issues.
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