A/HRC/10/8 page 8 She suggested that the Human Rights Committee could revisit its general comment No. 11 (1983) on article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. She also recommended that regional workshops be organized to explore this topic at the grass-roots levels, emphasizing the fact that international human rights instruments were designed to protect individuals and groups of individuals. 15. Lastly, at the international level, the Special Rapporteur also contributed to the general discussion of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on the issue of non-discrimination. The aim of the half-day of general discussion held on 17 November 2008 was to foster a deeper understanding of the content and implications of article 2 (2) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and to offer an opportunity to review draft general comment No. 20 on non-discrimination. More closely related issues are examined in the section on discrimination based on religion or belief and its impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. B. Identification of existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief and presentation of recommendations on ways and means to overcome such obstacles 16. In 2007 and 2008, the Special Rapporteur undertook six country missions, to Tajikistan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Angola, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, India and Turkmenistan. The country reports on her visits in 2007 to Tajikistan (A/HRC/7/10/Add.2), the United Kingdom (A/HRC/7/10/Add.3) and Angola (A/HRC/7/10/Add.4) were submitted to the Council at its seventh session, in accordance with Council resolution 6/37. The reports on her visits in 2008 to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (A/HRC/10/8/Add.2), India (A/HRC/10/8/Add.3) and Turkmenistan (A/HRC/10/8/Add.4) are issued as addenda to the present report. 17. In general, the Special Rapporteur would like to thank all the Governments for the cooperation they extended during her respective missions. She hopes that the recommendations issued following the country visits will contribute to overcoming existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief in the concerned countries. The Special Rapporteur will also re-establish the mandate’s initial approach3 to send follow-up letters after country visits in order to receive updated information about the implementation of her recommendations at the national level. 18. With regard to preventive efforts, the Special Rapporteur reiterates her recommendation that States should devise proactive strategies to overcome existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief. In addition to initiatives in the field of education (see paragraphs 7-9 above), interreligious dialogue constitutes one of the principal means of countering sectarian attitudes and enhancing religious tolerance worldwide. It is a precious tool for preventing misunderstanding and violations in the area of freedom of religion or belief. Interreligious dialogue can also help activate the silent majority to look for common 3 See A/51/542, annexes I and II; A/52/477/Add.1; A/53/279, annex; and E/CN.4/1999/58, annex.