A/HRC/37/49/Add.1 operate in this area appears to have been restricted by the Government. For example, according to information received from one religious community, efforts to introduce theologians at a privately-run university owned by the community were obstructed by the Government, allegedly on the grounds that a faculty of theology was inconsistent with the secular commitment of the State. 61. According to information received, the community’s request to teach theology was grounded in the desire to provide tertiary education in the field of theology for lay persons who may subsequently wish to study clerical subjects that could enable them to pursue a faith-based vocation. The community leaders also argued that the opportunity to study theology in the country would contribute to reducing the numbers of students who may travel abroad for further study in theology, and reduce the likelihood that they will be exposed to teachings that may not be compatible with the values and traditions of Albania. The frustrations of the community have been amplified because allegedly, another religious community has been granted permission to teach theology in its private-run university. 62. Information gathered during the visit suggests that the Government is now well advanced in its efforts to introduce education about various religions and the diverse and pluralistic religious landscape in Albania, as part of the civic education in schools. That programme, which is being implemented through a partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is currently being piloted in 10 urban and rural schools across the country, was conceived within the context of the Government’s interest to reinforce good civic education through increased awareness about diversity. The Special Rapporteur understands that prior to launching the programme, the authorities had conducted initial consultations with a range of stakeholders, including members of religious communities, which enabled them to identify some of the concerns and challenges that may arise. Nonetheless, members of faith-based communities expressed concern that more could be done to ensure their inclusive engagement, cooperation and transparency regarding how such educational programmes will be implemented. The Special Rapporteur notes that, if the programme is properly executed, it could contribute to reinforcing the existing climate of interfaith harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. E. Situation of religious minorities 63. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur met with representatives of several religious minority groups, including members of national and ethnolinguistic minority groups, in order to understand the intersectionality in relation to freedom of religion or belief and minority identities. He was keen to understand how the legal framework in Albania, especially with regard to implementation, in practice, of the legal differentiation — or perhaps, hierarchy — between “religious organizations” and “religious communities”, has affected the ability of minority religious groups to practice their faith. 64. Although those groups complained about the lack of resources available to them, compared to the traditional religious communities and raised the possibility of elevating their legal status in order to take advantages of fiscal benefits offered by State recognition — including tax exemption — there was no indication that the domestic legal framework had prevented them from exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur’s assessment does not suggest that those communities are subjected to discrimination on account of their actual or perceived religious identity by either the State or society at large. 65. The situation seems somewhat more complicated in the case of national or ethnolinguistic minorities in Albania, in particular from Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Both of these minorities are legally recognized as national minorities in Albania, along with Montenegrins. Such legal recognition provides them with official status as minorities, and generally allows them to use their language in matters relating to education and the press. Some members of those minority communities expressed frustration at what they allege to be general discrimination, primarily by the State, vis-à-vis their communities. Several members also expressed frustration regarding 14