Check against Delivery Statement by The Delegation of the Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia on the Six Forum on Minority Issues "Beyond Freedom of Religion or Belief: Guaranteeing the Right of Religious Minorities" Legal framework and key concepts (Agenda 2) We welcome the convening of the forum and the topics chosen. States and religious organizations and other stake holders should take initiatives in the area of awareness rising, promotion of equality of religions and beliefs, and religious tolerance. This has to be reflected in legal and policy frameworks of a state. Moreover it requires political will and commitments of governments and religious leaders and believers of different faiths. Consultation and dialogue among different religious groups has the potential to promote religious harmony, tolerance and can also serve as a ground for combating harmful traditional practices. The legal framework of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is based on equality of Nations Nationalities and Peoples in the country. The constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia provides that. everyone has the right to freedom of thought conscious and religion. The Constitution under Article 25 stated that "All persons are equal before the law and are entitled _ without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection without discrimination on