E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.1 Page 58 we have banned people from possessing the Declaration that is being distributed by the Commission”. 252. Following the press release, the National Human Rights Commiss ion (NHCR) had stopped the distribution of the Universal Declaration. Concern was expressed that this statement aimed at preventing the NHRC from carrying out its human rights activities in particular to raise awareness about religious freedom by distributing the UDHR. 253. The Special Rapporteurs requested the Government to provide them with information on the formal powers given to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs by the legislation and whether the laws of the country provide for a hierarchy between different religious groups. They also requested the Government to indicate how the banning of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was compatible with international norms and standards on the right to freedom of opinion and expression and standard conta ined in the Declaration on human rights defenders, and the UN Charter. Response from the Government dated 11 July 2005 254. Pending the official response from the Government, the Permanent Representative forwarded to the Special Rapporteur a copy of the self explanatory Media Release issued by the Government on 11 July 2005 regarding the above mentioned statement. Response from the Government dated 31 August 2005 255. “Fully understanding that the statement issued by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of the Maldives about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was disconcerting, the Government has quickly re-affirmed its commitment to international standards of human rights protection and is looking at ways of expediting signing on to ICCPR and ICESCR. The reform process that President Gayoom has initiated, in particular the revising of the Constitution, provides a historic opportunity to incorporate international standards of human rights protection into our basic law. 256. Furthermore, it is mentioned that the President has ratified the Human Rights Bill which gives statutory status to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. This is an important development which will contribute to strengthening the independence and effectiveness of the Commission. The Government is fully committed to supporting and strengthening the Human Rights Commission as it has a central role to play in ensuring better human rights protection. 257. The Government provided the following responses to the questions raised in the communication: 258. Although the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs issued a Press Release which stated the position summarized in the communication, the pronouncement had no legal effect. This was explained by statements issued by the Government on 11 July 2005 and on 12 July 2005. The Government’s statements explained that the