A/55/280/Add.1 formalities with the authorities concerned. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that other establishments, belonging to minorities and religious groups, which are not covered by foundations but which have historical and cultural value, are preserved under the law on the Preservation of Cultural and National Wealth, No. 2963. These establishments are regarded as historic works of art and are under protection. These places are utilized as museums or historic venues and are under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. 30. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the Government had decided on 15 September 1999 that articles 46 and 48 of the Regulations on Foundations would no longer be implemented for the religious community foundations. That decision had been given to further enable religious communities to act in a more independent way. Thereafter religious community foundations would not be obliged to inform the relevant Administration on Foundations in writing in case they wanted to hire a lawyer to sue somebody or to protect the rights of the foundation. Nor would they be obliged to seek permission of the General Directorate of Foundations before they started constructing or repairing their buildings. 31. Regarding the conditions applicable to minorities for establishing schools, places of worship, associations and foundations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided the following information: education and training at the pre-school, primary and secondary levels. 35. Establishment of churches by minorities. The number of places of worship recognized by the Treaty of Lausanne suffices when the population of minorities living in Turkey is taken into account. Thus it is not required to establish new places of worship. However, in the legislation, no provision exists regarding any limitations or prohibition against new places of worship for minorities. The general rule, as set out by the Law on Public Works, No. 3194, is that places of worship cannot be built just anywhere, they require to be specifically outlined in the city plans, and the needs and requirements of the social environment are also to be taken into consideration, that is, the presence of a community belonging to that religious belief, and so on. Indication of religion on identity cards/ changing of religion 36. With respect to the identity card, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explained that article 43 of law No. 1547 on civil registry stipulates that all information regarding sex, names — surname, father’s and mother’s name — and religion of the family members should be noted on the family registration forms. The same format was introduced for identity cards. However, preparations to omit the indication of religion on identity cards are under way. 32. Establishment of foundations by minorities. The Treaty of Lausanne recognizes the legal status of establishments of religion, education, health and philanthropy belonging to minorities which were previously established in accordance with rulings of the Ottoman State. These establishments were converted into “community foundations” by the Law on Foundations, No. 2762, adopted in 1936. 37. With respect to changing religion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, for statistical reasons, records on all population issues were kept by the General Directorate for Civil Registry and Citizenship Affairs. That is why the information concerning change of religion is also conveyed to the General Directorate. 33. Establishment of associations by minorities. Members of minorities enjoy equal rights to establish associations envisaged in the Constitution for every Turkish citizen. There are a number of associations belonging to minorities. 38. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explained that, by virtue of article 16 of Law No. 1587, children may not be given names that might offend people or that would be considered incompatible with national culture and values. According to that Ministry, since the culture of the religious minorities recognized by the Treaty of Lausanne is accepted as a part of the national culture, those minorities are free to give their children any first or family names they wish, provided they respect the criteria mentioned above. 34. Establishment of schools by minorities. The statutes of the schools belonging to the minorities recognized in accordance with the Treaty of Lausanne are preserved. These schools are considered as “Foundation Schools” and continue to provide Legislation governing given and family names 9