E/CN.4/1995/91 page 118 difficulties currently being experienced with regard to freedom of religion derived from infringements committed by officials. (ii) Act concerning compensation for persons detained and acquitted The Special Rapporteur asked for more detailed information on this Act, the entry into force of which was scheduled for 1 January 1995. He obtained a copy of the Act in Chinese and is waiting for a French translation. The Ministry of Justice indicated that the question of compensation lay within the competence of the people’s courts. A member of the Institute of World Religions stated that the Act was a major step forward inasmuch as it constituted a development of the rights of the individual and his defence, particularly with regard to officials who would have to accept their responsibilities and pay compensation following violations committed against persons who were subsequently acquitted. It was added that only the principle of compensation had been accepted and that its implementation would be difficult; in particular, it presupposed the acceptance of the new concept by the public. (iii) General bill on freedom of religion The Special Rapporteur asked the authorities about the desirability of a general act concerning freedom to practise a religion. The authorities stated that they had no plans for draft legislation of that kind. Non-governmental representatives considered that legislation of that kind was necessary but that some time would be needed to obtain the required experience, and that the recent decrees were transitional measures forming part of a general process of improvement of the situation. D. Implementation of legislation and policy on tolerance and non-discrimination based on religion or belief 1. Summary of information According to the information transmitted by the Chinese authorities with regard to the Chinese Government’s policy on freedom of religious belief, "the Chinese Government always respects and protects the citizens’ free choice of religious belief, adopting a policy of religious freedom guaranteed by law". Chinese citizens are free to believe in religion or not, and to choose to believe in any kind of religion. Within a religion, they are free to believe in any sect. Non-believers may become believers, and believers may at any time change their beliefs. Politically and legally, religious adherents and non-believers are equal and have the same rights and obligations. "The State follows the principle of separation of religion from politics and education." Religious groups operate under the guiding principles of independence, autonomy and self-management, without State or foreign interference. "Governments at various levels carry out its policy by helping religious circles reopen their monasteries, temples and churches and other sites for normal religious activities. The Government supports and encourages religious believers to take an active part in the country’s socialist construction and the building of a socialist spiritual and material civilization."