A/78/207 defenders, commissions, institutes and advisory bodies. In the present report, the term “national human rights institutions” is used to refer to national human rights institutions and to analogous institutions. 56. National human rights institutions can carry out several functions supportive of freedom of religion or belief. They may have mandates to focus on particular human rights issues, such as gender discrimination or women’s rights, and they may address freedom of religion or belief from an intersectional perspective 66 and/or through interfaith dialogue. 67 Owing to their proximity and accessibility to rights holders, they can serve as the primary institution monitoring, documenting or respondi ng to alleged violations of freedom of religion or belief. 57. The mandate holder received reports on the alleged positive impact of national human rights institutions in promoting freedom of religion or belief, through the endorsement of the National Charter for Peaceful Coexistence in Tunisia 68 and collaborations with civil society in promoting the ratification of the regional regulation on human rights and friendly cities by the municipal legislature of Bogor, Indonesia. 69 58. Many national human rights institutions do not fulfil their tremendous potential regarding freedom of religion or belief. The mandate holder has received reports of such institutions being unwilling to engage or unresponsive in relation to widespread violations of freedom of religion or belief against stigmatized religious minorities. 70 A related risk is the lack of professionalism in the investigations carried out, owing to either a lack of resources to deal with complaints or simply a lack of knowledge of or sensitivity to religious or belief issues. States should ensure that national human rights institutions are adequately funded and trained with respect to the international standards on freedom of religion or belief. 59. National human rights institutions must be fully independent from Governments and protected from any potential reprisals for highlighting or challenging violations of freedom of religion or belief. Their composition should reflect the diversity of religions or beliefs in wider society, including religious, non -religious and belief minorities and minorities within minorities. 60. State actors charged with protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, combating racism, gender inequality or other forms of discrimination or overseeing mechanisms for the prevention of torture also have key roles, especially in conflict prev ention and resolution. Such institutions must be trained in international standards on freedom of religion or belief and be able to make the specific forms of multiple disadvantage that may arise visible. H. Judiciaries 61. Judicial authorities at all levels have the duty and authority to affect the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief. A strong, independent judiciary represents an effective safeguard against rights violations, where they ensure that domestic law is implemented in conformity with the State’s international human rights obligations, including freedom of religion or belief. However, judiciaries are often the material authors of violations, through their role in enforcing laws that violate the freedom of religion or belief, such as laws on apostasy and blasphemy, which may even carry the __________________ 66 67 68 69 70 23-14116 Submission by Komnas Perempuan. Submission by the Defensoría del Pueblo de la Nación Argentina. Submission provided by Attalaki. Submission by the Indonesian Civil Society Coalition for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Submissions provided by Equality Myanmar, Minority Rights Group and Forum 18. 13/24