A/78/207 or regional laws, 11 as do many submissions received for the present report. Many concerns have stemmed from the establishment of official religions and religious legal codes at the State or regional level, 12 resulting in discrimination and violations of freedom of religion or belief and other human rights. Further problematic examples include regional prohibitions on the activities of minority faiths, 13 explicit or de facto prohibitions on conversion 14 or the imposition of specific laws for adherents to particular faiths. 15 20. Even in the absence of an official religion, in some cases, religious prayers or rituals are observed during the official business of local governmental institutions, such as devolved parliaments. Such practices can become symbolic of marginalization and may disadvantage functionaries or officials who practice minority religions or beliefs. 16 The Special Rapporteur has also highlighted cases of reprisals against State functionaries belonging to minority communities for legitimate expressions of their religion or belief. 17 The right of civil servants to freedom of religion or belief, and associated rights, must also be upheld. 21. The mandate holder has received alarming allegations of the inaction or direct involvement of functionaries of local government in life-threatening attacks against individuals, including human rights defenders, on the basis of their real or perceived religion or belief. 18 Such actions or inaction place individuals or groups in grave danger. 22. A cynical utilization of discriminatory rhetoric based on religion or belief identity may be used to gain popularity or foster political support for officials or authorities. Such rhetoric can contribute to acts of violence by State or non-State actors against minorities, exacerbating conflict and damaging the social fabric. The trend towards polarized political discourse, characterized by disrespect and enmity, often reaches its most vitriolic at the local level. It is at that level where functionaries and elected officials must be held to account and must embody the values of democracy and human rights, even at the risk of short-term political disadvantage. Such accountability can help to prevent or stem sociopolitical conflict, violence and human rights violations. 23. State obligations under international human rights law are enduring. Neither the devolution of powers, including the power to legislate in autonomous regions, nor the recognition of an established religion or religious authorities alter s that requirement. States have the obligation to ensure that autonomous municipal and regional governments act in accordance with human rights. The rule of law must be respected by all State functionaries. 24. Those who encourage or facilitate acts of violence or discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their religion or belief, or who fail to respond adequately, must be held accountable. Access to justice and repar ations for victims must be assured. __________________ 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6/24 OHCHR, communications sent to the Governments of India (IND 4/2022 and IND 9/2022), Somalia (SOM 4/2022) and Yemen (YEM 2/2022) and to the de facto authorities in Yemen (OTH 124/2022) and Somaliland (OTH 129/2022). Submissions provided by the Defensoría del Pueblo de la Nación Argentina (the national human rights institution of Argentina), the Indonesian Civil Society Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Sisters in Islam. Submission provided by the Indonesian Civil Society Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief. Submission provided by Minority Rights Group. Submission provided by Sisters in Islam. Submission provided by Humanists UK. OHCHR, communication sent to the Government of Hungary (HUN 1/2022). OHCHR, communications sent to the Governments of Bangladesh (BGD 1/2022), Guatemala (GTM 8/2022) and Pakistan (PAK 2/2022). 23-14116