A/54/386 them. Nevertheless, it was stated that in order to prevent a possible negative campaign in the local media, the authorities had organized a workshop on freedom of religion and belief. In the framework of that workshop the head of the Directorate had held a meeting with the representatives of the local private television network for the purpose of putting an end to the broadcasting of such programmes. It was confirmed that demonstrations against Jehovah’s Witnesses had taken place in Plovdiv. It was explained that the demonstrations had been organized by the Social Committee for Resistance against the Sects, formed by parents concerned about cases of child abuse committed by sects in other countries. It was emphasized that the demonstrations did not actually constitute a case of religious intolerance. Lastly, the authorities acknowledged that Bulgaria’s human rights record, like that of other countries, was not perfect and that incidents could sometimes occur at the local level. However, it could not be said that a climate of intolerance vis-à-vis minorities prevailed in the media or in society as a whole. During the current period of transition, the Government was taking concerted practical measures to improve national legislation and practice aimed at strengthening the guarantees concerning freedom of religion and belief. A law on alternative service for conscientious objectors had been adopted, human rights had been included in the curricula of educational institutions and a campaign had been conducted to raise public awareness with regard to those subjects. 87. China (ibid., para. 47) stated, with regard to the case of Yulo Dawa Tsering, that after the latter had been released on parole he had worked in the mail service at the Hotel Hada in Lhasa. He had, moreover, been denied access to the Gandan Monastery and the University of Lhasa. The case was said to fall within the jurisdiction of the internal administrations of the Monastery and the University, with which the Government was not supposed to interfere. It was emphasized that Yulo Dawa Tsering enjoyed good living conditions, benefited from all the civil rights provided by the Constitution, and was not subjected to any repressive measures by the public security services. 88. Egypt (ibid, para. 50). In a detailed reply, Egypt described its cooperation with the United Nations organs involved in efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, which is a global phenomenon jeopardizing political stability, economic development, personal development and the fundamental rights of persons. The reply recounted Egypt’s efforts, consisting not only of action in the areas of the judiciary and of security but also of measures to educate and sensitize society to the principles of human rights. Mention was made of the fact that Egypt had been awarded the UNESCO Prize for Children’s and Young People’s Literature in the Service of Tolerance. It was explained that guidelines had been laid down by the Ministry of Public Worship to ensure that sermons reflected the principles of religious tolerance and that places of worship resumed their traditional role of places for the teaching of morality, good example and the principles of solidarity, mercy and fraternity, with the goal of positive interaction with society. In addition, several ministries were responsible for the modernization of the centres providing refresher courses, sensitization and training, in order to prepare the integration of adolescents in society and to ensure that they do not become involved in destructive situations. Lastly, it was explained that combating terrorism required a constant effort to improve the quality of life, to develop employment opportunities and to eliminate the phenomenon of economic, political and cultural marginalization. 89. India (ibid., para. 61). India provided a very detailed reply on incidents of violence against the Christian minority. Reference was made to Indian secularism as the foundation of the Constitution and political system, to religious, ethnic and linguistic pluralism, to the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and minority rights and to the existence of a National Commission on Minorities. Information was then given on incidents affecting Christians. The following cases were summarized by the Special Rapporteur. In the case of Graham Staines, it was stated that 50 suspects had been arrested and that others were being sought, that an investigation was under way and that the incident had been condemned by the President and the Prime Minister. It was recalled that, following a ministerial visit to the scene, a detailed report had been transmitted to the Government and a commission of inquiry had been appointed which was to report within a period of two months. The National Human Rights Commission was also following the case. Concerning the case of the nuns who had been raped, it was stated that Christian and Hindu suspects had been arrested and that others were being sought, and that the case concerned a criminal action by inebriated persons rather than a communal crime. Concerning the attacks against members of the Assembly of the Church of Believers during a prayer session, it was explained that they had been perpetrated by anti-social elements alleging that the organization was engaged in religious conversion. It was added that conciliation efforts had been initiated immediately, that efforts were being made to bring the culprits to justice and that the religious meetings had been 13