E/CN.4/2000/65 page 26 Yemen 101. The right to conscientious objection on grounds of religious belief is reportedly not recognized by law. 102. Christian communities reportedly cannot engage in religious activities vis-à-vis Muslims. The correspondence of the clergy is apparently sometimes monitored by the authorities in order to prevent any proselytism. Women are allegedly affected by certain laws, which seem to be based on religious rules: in particular, a woman wishing to obtain a passport and travel abroad is said to need the permission of her father or husband. Late replies 103. The late replies to the communications sent for the fifty-fifth session of the Commission on Human Rights by Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Malaysia and Sudan were reflected in the report to the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly (A/54/386). The Special Rapporteur also received two replies from Azerbaijan and one reply from India after the submission of that report to the General Assembly. Azerbaijan (E/CN.4/1999/58, para. 34) 104. Azerbaijan stated that Pastor Zaur Balayev, a Muslim who converted to Christianity, had never been detained or imprisoned. It also referred to the provisions of the Constitution and the legislation on freedom of religion and belief, explaining that 200 mosques, more than 50 Christian communities and churches and 5 synagogues were registered in Azerbaijan, while there were also active communities, institutions and religious centres belonging to Muslims from the Caucasus, Russian Orthodox churches, Evangelists, Baptists, Adventists, the Saving Grace Association, Krishnas and Baha’is. Hundreds of unofficial religious groups were also active, 60 of which were Christian. With regard to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Azerbaijan stated that the denial of registration of their association was based on the fact that the documents submitted did not meet the legal requirements on freedom of religion. The conclusions of the Religious Affairs Department and information brought to the attention of the Ministry of Justice show that quite a large share of the propaganda work of the followers of this association involves insulting and denigrating other religions, inciting non-respect for the laws of the country and insubordination and not recognizing the outward signs of the authority of the State. It was explained that one of the association’s leaders had been arrested by the police for attempted corruption aimed at having the association registered and that he had been given a suspended sentence by a court. It was specified that, according to article 18 of the Constitution, “the dissemination of and propaganda for religions contrary to the dignity of the individual and the principles of mankind are prohibited” and that, under article 1 of the Freedom of Religion Act, “the exercise of freedom of religion may be restricted only on grounds of State security and public order and in the event of a need to protect rights and freedoms in accordance with the international obligations of the Azerbaijani Republic”. Lastly, it was stated that the Jehovah’s witnesses had never been prosecuted for their religious opinions by the authorities.