A/64/159 D. Persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities 29. The mandate-holders’ reports illustrate that persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities are in a vulnerable situation with regard to their right to freedom of religion or belief. The identity of many minorities is defined by various aspects, and several instances of discrimination, for example when based both on racial and on religious motives, are aggravated by the effects of these multiple identities. Religious minorities face various forms of discrimination, for example with regard to official registration procedures or undue limitations when disseminating materials and displaying religious symbols. Furthermore, some religious minorities are adversely affected by manifestations of intolerance, threats or acts of violence perpetrated by non-State actors, which are often tolerated or encouraged by the authorities. 30. The Special Rapporteur would like to remind that persons belonging to minorities have the right to profess and practise their own religion, in private and in public, freely and without interference or any form of discrimination, as well as the right to participate effectively in cultural, religious, social, economic and public life. When abuses against members of religious minorities are committed by non-State actors, the human rights obligations of States also consist in ensuring the free exercise of freedom of religion or belief and bringing the perpetrators of discriminatory or violent acts to justice. States should also take measures to create favourable conditions to enable persons belonging to minorities to express their characteristics and to develop their culture, language, religion, traditions and customs, except where specific practices are in violation of national law and contrary to international standards. 15 The outcome document of the Durban Review Conference also affirms that the existence and the national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identity of minorities shall be protected, and that the persons belonging to these minorities should be treated equally and enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination of any kind. 16 31. In many States in different regions of the world, members of so-called non-traditional or new religious movements are the object of suspicion, both on administrative and societal levels, and some of them are subjected to serious limitations of their right to freedom of religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur would like to reiterate that the terms “religion” and “belief” are to be interpreted in a broad sense and that human rights protection is not limited to members of traditional religions or to religions and beliefs with institutional characteristics or practices analogous to those of traditional religions. The contents of a religion or belief should be defined by the worshippers themselves, while their freedom to manifest their religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. __________________ 15 16 09-40869 See Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, article 4, para. 2. A/CONF.211/L.1, para. 82. 11