E/CN.4/1995/91
page 150
In conformity with resolution 1994/18, in which the Commission on Human
Rights recommended that the promotion and protection of the right to freedom
of thought, conscience and religion be given appropriate priority in the work
of the United Nations programme of advisory services in the field of human
rights and encouraged the Special Rapporteur to consider whether the programme
of advisory services in the field of human rights might be of assistance in
certain situations, at the request of States, and to make appropriate
recommendations in that regard, the Special Rapporteur wishes to make the
following recommendations regarding the specific projects to be carried out
within the framework of the programme of advisory services:
(a)
The provision, upon request, to Governments of expert advisory
services for the following purposes:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Preparation of basic legal instruments or adaptation of
existing instruments in accordance with the principles set
out in the 1981 Declaration;
Establishment and strengthening of national and regional
institutions and infrastructure such as national commissions,
an ombudsman and conciliation commissions whose long-term
effect will be to improve the implementation of international
human rights norms, particularly in the sphere of tolerance
and non-discrimination with regard to religion and belief;
Development of school curricula and textbooks that take into
account the teaching of the values of tolerance and
understanding with regard to religion and belief.
(b)
The organization of national and regional seminars to publicize or
ensure better understanding of existing principles, norms and remedies in the
areas of freedom of religion and belief. These activities would be intended
in particular for members of legislative bodies, the judiciary, the bar and
the civil service;
(c)
The organization of regional and national training courses for
teachers in kindergartens, primary or basic and secondary schools, to acquaint
them with the value of teaching principles of tolerance and non-discrimination
with regard to religion and belief;
(d)
The organization of international, national and regional workshops,
to be attended by persons in key positions within society, such as the
representatives of specific religions and ideologies and of non-governmental
human rights organizations, on the topic of promotion of tolerance and
understanding with regard to religion and belief and encouragement of dialogue
between religions;
(e)
The organization of workshops for media representatives to acquaint
them with the importance of disseminating information in conformity with the
principles of tolerance and non-discrimination with regard to religion and
belief and to educate society and mould public opinion in conformity with
those principles.