A/HRC/25/58/Add.1 is a “blessed nation”, as evidenced in the remarkable atmosphere of inter- and intrareligious tolerance that characterizes the country. Given the recent tragic history of civil war with massive and grave human rights violations, this collective selfunderstanding may come as a surprise. However, the Special Rapporteur found the enthusiasm that people displayed on this issue quite infectious. Having been able to witness how religious passion and interreligious open-heartedness can go hand in hand in Sierra Leone is a privilege for which he is grateful. Moreover, the way people live together in peace across religious differences sets an example from which other countries as well as religious and political leaders worldwide can learn. 54. No less remarkable than interreligious tolerance, as epitomized inter alia by the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, is the daily practice of intra-religious cooperation between different denominations. This includes the amicable relations between Sunnis and Ahmadis and their cooperation within the United Council of Imams, in which Shias also participate. Likewise, various Christian denominations have organized their cooperation within the Council of Churches. 55. Furthermore, religious diversity remains dynamic in the sense that communities can grow and develop. Individuals and communities do not encounter difficulties when bearing public witness to their faith and trying to attract new followers. Freedom to change one’s religion is not only a constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right, but also a socially accepted reality in Sierra Leone. Indeed, conversion in all directions — in particular from Islam to Christianity and vice versa — is a widespread phenomenon and typically receives the approval of families and communities. 56. Frequent interreligious marriages and the resulting religiously diverse families facilitate an atmosphere of religious open-heartedness not only in urban areas but throughout the country, albeit with regional differences. The educational system in which students and teachers across denominations learn and work together further strengthens this generally amicable atmosphere. Radio networks, although run by specific denominations, sometimes air prayers of a different religion than their own. Finally, umbrella institutions, such as the Inter-Religious Council have played a key role in uniting — or rather reuniting — the country. 57. Although clearly deeply rooted in the everyday culture of Sierra Leone, the climate of religious open-heartedness should not be taken for granted. As emphasized by many interlocutors from diverse backgrounds, the high degree of inter- and intrareligious tolerance needs constant cherishing and should be further developed based on constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of religion or belief. Therefore, the Special Rapporteur would like to present a number of recommendations addressed to different stakeholders. 58. Recommendations mainly addressed to the State: (a) In all efforts to further develop the country, State agencies should be guided by the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Sierra Leone, published in its final report of 2004. The TRC recommendations reflect an intensive consultation process with broad participation of all parts of the population. They show an admirable degree of precision and honesty and furthermore display a clear human rights basis. The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has a particular mandate to implement the recommendations, a task which, despite progress in many areas, remains unfinished to date. (b) The State should continue to play an active role in cherishing and promoting the culture of inter- and intra-religious tolerance. Any existing and future activities to this effect should be systematically based on freedom of religion or belief, 15