A/78/207 I. Introduction1 1. The present report complements the thematic report to the Human Rights Council, 2 in which the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief addressed a top-level framing of the landscape of freedom of religion or belief. As noted in the introduction of that report, in renewing the mandate for a further term in its resolution 49/5, the Council highlighted the importance of constitutional and legislative systems, national legislation, recommendations emanating from the universal periodic review process, practices and laws relating to women, economic and social rights and public services, registration practices, access to official documents, worship and assembly and the activities of all public officials and civil servants. 2. In continuing from and complementing her previous report, the Special Rapporteur brings the debate around human rights and freedom of religion or belief to the grass roots level, considering the range of authorities and actors affecting enjoyment of that right on the ground. She highlights the obligations of government authorities and the role of non-governmental actors in ensuring enjoyment of this freedom. It is hoped that the present report will help to provide a “reality check” on how freedom of religion or belief needs to be promoted, protected and fulfilled at the domestic level. 3. Freedom of religion or belief is a human right. It cannot be respected through mere rhetoric or by being showcased at symbolic events. It is a day -to-day practice and reality that needs continuous investment at every level. From the perspective of the individual or community on the ground and around the world, who are the authorities and actors who facilitate, restrict or violate full enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief? 4. The Special Rapporteur seeks to bring the lived reality of the rights holder to the centre of her report by drawing on communications by the mandate holder (where possible, from 2022 and 2023), country visit reports and submissions provided by 17 States, 9 national human rights institutions, 1 special envoy, 32 civil society organizations, 1 intergovernmental organization and 5 individuals. In the recommendations set out herein, the Special Rapporteur elaborates on the negative and positive State obligations and other responsibilities necessary to ensuring the effective enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief at the grass -roots level. II. The importance of the domestic level from the perspective of the rights holder 5. Notwithstanding the importance of international human rights treaties, case law, custom and norms, the domestic and local levels are where human rights become relevant for most rights holders. The ratification and domestication of relevant international treaties represent only initial steps that may facilitate enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief in practice. International standards and mechanisms should be the last, not the first, resort for the full enjoyment of rights. 6. Freedom of religion or belief is protected under article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other international and regional human rights treaties. Protection from discrimination based on religion or belief is enshrined __________________ 1 2 23-14116 Warm appreciation is extended to David Garciandía Igal and Thiago Alves Pinto of Oxford University and to the previous Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, for research support and comments on the final draft, as well as to Daniel Cloney, Helle Dahl Iversen and Erik Fattorelli of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for additional support. A/HRC/52/38. 3/24