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other narratives. They should seek human rights-compliant solutions through
dialogue and engagement.
103. States should ensure that its “first responders” at the local level are playing
their critical role in ensuring freedom of religion or belief for all.
104. States’ due diligence obligations must include addressing discrimination
and violence at the individual and systemic levels.
105. States should create an independent focal point for freedom of religion or
belief, with a focus on the realization of that right for all within its jurisdiction
and in fulfilment of international standards. This objective is distinct from that
of authorities who engage with religious or belief leaders and communities in
deciding on zoning, religious education, accommodations and exemptions
relating to freedom of religion or belief and matters of personal status law.
106. The national focal point should be guided by international standards and have
the seniority and authority to assess and advise on the role of all other State bodies
and their compliance with international human rights standards regarding
freedom of religion or belief. Those State bodies may include authorities with
responsibilities regarding the fulfilment of the right to freedom of religion or belief,
with the focal point serving as an interministerial national focal point who meets
regularly with, and can leverage accountability among, such authorities.
107. Robust education and training of State functionaries, including all those
listed above, as well as societal awareness-raising, is crucial.
108. There must be regular domestic scrutiny of the record of the abovementioned functionaries and authorities to ensure their compliance with
standards regarding freedom of religion or belief.
109. Complaint and redress procedures must be robust, accessible and effective
at every level of government and in relation to every authority.
110. Regarding religious hatred, discrimination or violence, States are urged to
adopt policies consistent with the Rabat Plan of Action, including the promotion
of intercultural and interfaith understanding.
111. Non-State actors and religious or belief communities must be provided an
enabling environment in which to play their critical and complementary role in
ensuring enjoyment of the freedom of religion or belief.
Non-State actors
112. Non-State actors need to invest in inclusivity, self-critical engagement and
solid knowledge of freedom of religion or belief, to facilitate their role in
advancing that freedom.
113. Non-State actors and religious and belief communities rely on an open civic
space, freedom of association and assembly and may operate as human rights
defenders. They may freely choose to collaborate with State authorities but
should not be co-opted or obliged to engage with State authorities if that runs
counter to their objectives or preferences.
114. Non-State actors and religious and belief communities must be given the
space to contribute fully to interfaith dialogue. States can play an enabling role
but should not exclusively control this arena. A full and open consultation with
stakeholders is required.
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