VI. A. FRAMING QUESTIONS FOR ACTION Does the situation of persons belonging to religious minorities require particular attention? There are several issues of particular concern to religious minorities which should be considered when monitoring the situation on the ground and devising strategies. These can be identified by raising the following questions: • Have there been cases before the courts or complaints brought to the attention of United Nations human rights treaty bodies or special procedures, in particular the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, with respect to the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities?21 • Is there recognition and respect for the right to profess and practise religion without discrimination and interference from the State or others? Do guarantees exist for this? • Are there limitations or restrictions placed on the right to manifest one’s religion or belief? • Is there freedom to adopt, change or renounce a religion or belief? How is freedom to adopt, change or renounce a religion or belief recognized and respected in law and in practice? • What measures are in place to ensure freedom of worship or assembly in connection with a religion or belief? • Is social pressure or forced conversion an issue affecting minorities? If so, how is the Government addressing this? • Is there recognition of religious minorities’ holy days by the State? Are they recognized as public holidays? • Is there recognition and protection of the right to hold religious ceremonies? • What is the procedure for the appointment of religious leaders, priests and teachers, for those belonging to religious minorities? 21 See, in particular, the framework for communications annexed to the report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion (E/CN.4/2006/5) and the “Guidelines for review of legislation pertaining to religion or belief” prepared by the Advisory Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion and Belief of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) in consultation with the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission in 2004. 35