E/CN.4/1991/56 page 66 informed of the considerable efforts made by the Government of the Third Republic to consolidate national unity and establish a society in which social justice and equality of opportunities for all reign without exception. It is paradoxical that, within such a favourable framework for democracy, freedom of expression in general and religious freedom in particular, Burundi should be accused of religious intolerance. At present, approximately a dozen religious sects are established, while others are awaiting authorization. Where the latter are concerned, the Government reserves the right to grant or refuse authorization, as is the case in all sovereign States throughout the world. A refusal to grant authorization, may not, however, be arbitrary: it has to be justified, for instance, by considerations of public order, if, for example, a sect's objectives run counter to the ideals of peace, justice and the unity of the people of Burundi. The Association of Jehovah's Witnesses, which is not even authorized in Burundi, and which has recently been importuning the entire international community with assertions that its members in Burundi ar^ victims of persecution, is a case in point. However, it engages in its activities in Burundi, thus breaking the law of Burundi. If that were its only offence, content with acting unlawfully, the instills in its followers ideas and traditional values of the people of it would be a minor matter. However, not Association of Jehovah's Witnesses practices which are contrary to the Burundi. On the pretext that the Association eschews politics, it incites the population of Burundi not to salute the national flag, not to respect authority and to cease work on the day of prayer, all of which is contrary to the essential values of the people of Burundi, and encourages them to disregard their civic duties. The delegation of Burundi wishes to stress that in Burundi all religions are equal before the law, and are subject to the same law throughout the national territory. The Third Republic of Burundi recognizes equality of rights for all religious communities and this is reflected in the application of one and the same legal system to all communities that wish to practise their faith in Burundi. While the State recognizes its duty to guarantee the continued existence of these principles, it is understandable that Burundi, like other countries, should seek to reconcile religious freedom with order in its territory. It is understandable that no one may invoke freedom of religion in order to avoid obligations relating to the laws and institutions of Burundi.