E/CN.4/1992/52
page 172
161. Steps being taken by countries to change their legislation are aimed at
achieving conformity with international legislation relating to human rights.
The countries which indicated that they were currently in the process of
revising their legislation were predominantly developing countries or those
which had recently undergone a change in their political and social systems.
A number of countries stated that their legislation would be amended in
accordance with international standards when such a need was perceived.
162. The Government of Canada indicated that relevant international human
rights instruments are taken into account in interpreting Canadian law and
thought it important to ensure that the major developments achieved in this
domain in recent years continued. The Government of the Islamic Republic of
Iran indicated that it "may revise national legislations whenever it deems
it appropriate and in accordance with the principles of Islam and the
Constitution". The Government of Bangladesh informed the Special Rapporteur
that it had set up a Law Reform Commission with a view to reviewing all
existing laws and submitting recommendations to the Government. The
Government of the Ukrainian SSR deplored the absence of an international
legal mechanism or treaty guaranteeing religious rights and freedoms, stating
that as important as the provisions of the Declaration are, "they need to be
couched in legally binding terms so that States could be called to account
under international law if they [are] violated".
(k)
Advisory assistance from the Centre for Human Rights
163. The Special Rapporteur is pleased to note that the majority of Governments
expressed their readiness to avail themselves of such assistance. Furthermore,
a few "did not rule out the value of taking advantage" of such services. The
Special Rapporteur is particularly gratified to note that the Governments of
several countries which consider that their citizens enjoy freedom of worship
on a broad basis nevertheless indicated their firm wish to learn more and
expressed their readiness to avail themselves of the expertise of the Centre
for Human Rights.
164. Requests which were received, principally from developing countries,
concerned the strengthening of legal institutions and the organization of
courses and seminars for officials such as legislators, judges, lawyers,
law enforcement officials, educators, members of parliament, etc. on the
principles, rules and remedies applicable to freedom of religion and belief
and on human rights. The Government of Chile expressed its interest in
obtaining information specifically concerning legal systems "which more
effectively guarantee conscientious objection and, hence, freedom of
conscience". Although it expressed its willingness to participate in courses
or seminars organized by the Centre for Human Rights relating to freedom of
religion and belief "that may be of assistance to officials in this country,
or in which such officials might share their experience in this area with
officials from other countries seeking to exchange knowledge", the Government
of Canada suggested that resources could be put to better use "for assistance
to those countries in which there is a history of restriction related to
freedom of religion and belief".