Prof Heiner Bielefeldt, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, presented on “The rights of religious minorities”. He stressed the need for cooperation between all stakeholders underlining that, while a multilevel approach must be taken, the most significant changes are brought by persons who are on the ground. Prof Bielefeldt also recalled the fact that discrimination against minorities would undermine treatment against majorities. He mentioned that he had been edified by the example given in Sierra Leone, a country that overcame a brutal civil war through an intense intra and inter religious dialogue. He also described the case of Cyprus as a model that shows the possibility to build trust although this implies a long investment. Prof Bielefeldt finally highlighted that minority rights should not be considered as privileges; they are human rights, and they are based on the idea of their universality. Mr Sergine Mansour Sy Djamil, Vice-President of the National Assembly of Senegal, presented on “The rights of non-Muslims in Islam”. His presentation aimed at underlining the importance of Islam teachings in order for citizens to know how it advocates for the rights of non-Muslims. He also denounced some examples of what he considered as laws against the right of freedom of religion or belief, especially in Europe. He stressed the important role of the Islamic Development Bank in granting subventions to Muslim minorities living in non-Muslim countries. Mr Sy Djamil finally outlined the example of Senegal as a country where, notwithstanding the fact that 96 per cent of the population is Muslim, it has been led by a Christian president. Mr Maung Tun Khin, President of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, presented on “The situation of the Rohingya people”, a Muslim minority in Myanmar. Mr Tun Khin denounced some human rights abuses from which this group suffers, including in relation to the right to marry and freedom of movement. Moreover, he indicated that human rights activists have been harassed and arrested, while cases of incitement to hatred and violence against the Rohingya were allowed to continue with impunity. He recommended that an independent international investigation is set up to establish the truth and prevent further attacks. In his opinion, an increase in international observers on the ground could help in preventing further attacks and improving the security situation. In addition, he pointed out that, although aid access has improved, there is still not enough aid reaching the people internally displaced by violence. Ms Leila El Ali, presented on “Challenges encountering women belonging to minorities, women’s rights and cultural relativism”. She stated that, in the Middle East, the conflict against minorities has recently become more acute. This conflict is closely linked, in one way or another, with international and regional conflicts within the Region and their influences on the Arab revolutions and transitions. The rights of minorities and marginalised groups are being, in her view, disregarded. In this sense, religion or belief would be one of the components of the culture, albeit not the only one. However, it constitutes a key element in what refers to minority self-defence. These groups therefore need laws to protect their religion and other specific features. Ms El Ali gave several examples regarding Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Libya, and warned that women are in many situations the most vulnerably persons. She suggested strengthening separation between State and religion as well as equality rights between men and women. 9