A/HRC/55/47/Add.1 the beliefs (religious or non-religious beliefs grounded in conscience) justifying the objection, and to ensure that alternative service is not punitive or discriminatory in nature or duration by comparison with military service; (l) Recognize freedom of religion or belief as an inherent right for everyone, including prisoners. Ensure that prisoners are treated humanely and allowed access to family, human rights monitors, adequate medical care and lawyers, and the ability to practise their faith. The Nelson Mandela Rules should be consistently applied in all prisons and the Government should ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; (m) Carry out a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the events that have reportedly taken place in Kŭhistoni Badakhshon Autonomous Province since November 2021, in accordance with applicable international standards, take all measures necessary to prevent further escalation of violence in the region, including by responding to the grievances of the Pamiri minority, engage in a constructive and open dialogue with Ismailis and implement conflict-prevention measures that meet international human rights standards, including measures to protect Ismailis; (n) Strengthen the institutional setting of human rights protection, for instance, by guaranteeing the full independence of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights, taking all measures necessary to provide it with sufficient financial and human resources to fully discharge its mandate, and ensuring that it is fully compatible with the Paris Principles; (o) Take the measures necessary to ensure that the Act on Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination (2022) is implemented in practice, with the full involvement of all concerned groups of society and other relevant stakeholders, ensure that other groups will be explicitly included in the anti-discrimination law as groups to be protected from discrimination, including LGBTI persons and those who work for their rights, and organize awareness-raising campaigns for State officials and the public on equality and non-discrimination, including the provisions of the law; (p) Acknowledge that a vibrant civil society and the operation of independent bodies in wider society, especially in places where there is a larger concentration of persons belonging to minorities, is essential to human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. In this respect, take all measures necessary to ensure that civil society organizations can operate freely without undue restrictions, excessive administrative burdens, threats or any other form of persecution. GE.24-00093 19