E/CN.4/1988/45 page 26 V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions 59. On the basis of the information collected by the Special Rapporteur, it must be concluded that there was a persistence of incidents and governmental measures inconsistent with the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief during the period covered by this report, with infringements of freedom of religion or belief being committed in various forms and in practically all regions of the world. 60. Having endeavoured, in his previous report, to give a general idea of the various factors which impede the implementation of the principle of tolerance in matters of religion or belief, and to list the various forms religious intolerance can take and the threat it poses to the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, the Special Rapporteur has, in the present report, embarked on a new phase in the performance of his mandate. He has tried to initiate dialogue with the Governments concerned, transmitting to a number of them information regarding various alleged inconsistencies with the provisions of the Declaration and asking them to clarify these allegations. As can be seen from chapter II, section A, this procedure provoked a reaction from the authorities concerned in certain cases and led to a reply from them. The Special Rapporteur welcomes this constructive approach and the openness shown by certain countries, which give him reason to hope that Governments will take a growing interest in the issues within his frame of reference and their solution. 61. In keeping with this constructive approach and willingness for discussion, the Special Rapporteur visited Bulgaria from 12 to 16 October 1987 in order to collect information concerning certain specific aspects of his mandate, more particularly respect for the religious rights and freedoms of the Muslim community in Bulgaria. 62. The updated analysis of the information collected by the Special Rapporteur, as set out in chapter III, clearly illustrates the persistence of incidents and measures inconsistent with the provisions of the Declaration. The Special Rapporteur has continued to receive complaints that the very right to have the religion or belief of one's choice is jeopardized, in flagrant contradiction with the basic principle of freedom of conscience and religion. In many cases, it is the various practical manifestations of religion or belief that continue to be penalized. It is also apparent that discrimination based on religion continues to be practised, whether in the area of civil and political rights or in that of economic, social and cultural rights. Lastly, there are continuing infringements of the right to bring up children in accordance with the religion or belief of their parents* choice. 63. The Special Rapporteur has also noted the persistence of serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms resulting from intolerance and discrimination in matters of religion or belief, such as physical and mental persecution, arbitrary imprisonment, restrictions on freedom of movement and restrictions on the right to freedom of expression. As he observed in his previous report, these violations of fundamental human rights resulting from the practice of religious intolerance are to be found in many countries and in a wide variety of social, economic and ideological systems.