A/HRC/10/8/Add.1
page 51
192. The Special Rapporteur also would like to emphasize that limitations to freedom of
expression and freedom of religion or belief are strictly defined in international law, for example
in articles 18 (3), 19 (3) and 20 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In
this regard, she would like to refer to the report on the expert seminar on “Freedom of expression
and advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or
violence”, convened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and held in
Geneva on 2 and 3 October 2008 (see A/HRC/10/31/Add.3).
Thailand
Communication sent on 2 June 2006 jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people
193. The Special Rapporteurs raised concern on information they had received concerning the
desecration of Hmong graves in Wat Tham Krabok. Summaries of this communication as well
as observations of the Special Rapporteur are already reproduced in A/HRC/4/21/Add.1,
paras. 288-290.
Response from the Government dated 23 June 2008
194. The Government of Thailand submitted a response to the Special Rapporteurs
on 9 July 2008 which is summarized in the communications report of the Special Rapporteur on
the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people (see
A/HRC/9/9/Add.1, paras. 475-478).
Observations
195. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Thailand for its response to
the communication of 2 June 2006 and - jointly with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people - she will continue to monitor the
situation.
Turkey
Communication sent on 7 October 2008
196. The Special Rapporteur brought to the attention of the Government information she had
received relating to the right of Muslim students to manifest their religion or belief in Turkish
universities. Reportedly, university regulations would prohibit students from taking examinations
if their heads are covered. As a consequence, Muslim students would be prevented from wearing
headscarves when taking their examinations.
197. As the Special Rapporteur has been mandated to identify existing and emerging obstacles
to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion and present recommendations on ways and
means to overcome such obstacles, she requested the Government to provide information on the
following issues: