A/78/207 authorities of the homes and monastic schools associated with religious o r belief minorities. 25 31. The mandate holder has been made aware of positive examples wherein local authorities have actively engaged religious and belief communities in urban planning, leading to clarity concerning their needs for places of worship. 26 That approach is effective in strengthening inter- and intracommunity collaboration and in upholding freedom of religion or belief. Representatives of religions or beliefs that are not recognized, non-believers and newer communities are often overlooked. 32. States must ensure that authorities responsible for land, zoning and tenure act in a non-discriminatory manner consistent with freedom of religion or belief, regardless of their level of autonomy. All authorities must facilitate the establishment, prote ction and activities of places of worship and cemeteries, refrain from the punitive and discriminatory destruction of homes and provide reparations, just satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition to victims and survivors. The Special Rapporteur strongly encourages States to engage proactively in inclusive dialogue with religious and belief communities when undertaking urban planning. D. Authorities responsible for economic, social and cultural rights 33. Rights holders depend on the authorities for the administration and provision of social services for fundamental and important aspects of a dignified life (e.g. health care or education). Discrimination and violations of economic, social and cultural rights on grounds of religion or belief are rife around the world and have devastating effects. Discrimination can have the intention, and effect, of structurally denying groups access to the full enjoyment of their rights and to full participation in public life. 27 34. Places of education are the sites of many such violations. Access to education may be discriminatory or may be denied outright on the basis of religion or belief, or there may be coercion of students of minority religions or beliefs, denial of the right of parents to ensure the religious or moral education of their children in conformity with their convictions, the imposition or banning of (often gender-based) religious dress among students and teachers, 28 discriminatory practices towards students or teachers based on gender or (actual or perceived) sexual orientation, 29 the imposition of mandatory instruction in a dominant religious tradition in a manner that neglects or denigrates other religions or beliefs 30 or the shaping of the curriculum in a manner contrary to human rights standards. 31 35. Educational institutions have great potential to positively affect the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief, not only among students and staff, but in society at large. The Special Rapporteur encourages States, relevant ministries, educational authorities and institutions to adopt policies in line with the recommendations of her predecessors. 32 __________________ 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 8/24 OHCHR, communications sent to the Governments of China (CHN 6/2022), India (IND 5/2022) and the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRN 4/2021). Submission provided by the International Institute for Religious Freedom. Human Rights Committee, general comment No. 22 (1993), para. 5. OHCHR, communications sent to the Governments of India (IND 4/2022), and Yemen (YEM 2/2022) and to the de facto authorities in Yemen (OTH 124/2022). See A/HRC/53/37; and Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Pavez Pavez v Chile, Judgment (merits, reparations and costs), 4 February 2022. Submissions provided by Minority Rights Group and Sisters in Islam. See A/HRC/16/53. See, in particular, A/HRC/16/53 and E/CN.4/2002/73. 23-14116

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