E/CN.4/1992/52 page 179 intolerance could avail themselves, nor had they established the corresponding mechanisms for that purpose. Despite the existence of national human rights commissions in numerous countries, he also noted the absence of conciliation arrangements created specifically for victims of religious intolerance. In the opinion of the Special Rapporteur, countries which have not already done so to a sufficient extent could incorporate the existing international human rights standards into their Constitution, basic law and penal code in a more comprehensive manner and could envisage the creation of bodies and institutions dealing specifically with conciliation in matters of religious intolerance. He was particularly gratified to note the changes to that effect which have taken place and are still taking place in the countries of Eastern Europe. 188. The Special Rapporteur was also particularly pleased to note and considers very encouraging the number of Governments which have expressed their readiness to receive technical and advisory assistance from the United Hâtions Centre for Human Rights, regardless of whether or not they considered their legislation as being already in line with the principles set forth in the Declaration. He hopes that this will give new impetus to the cooperation he has been able to develop with many Governments regarding issues which fall within the scope of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. 189. The Special Rapporteur was very pleased and grateful once again to benefit from the continued cooperation of non-governmental organizations during the period under review. The detailed information they have provided has been of considerable assistance to him in the exercise of his mandate. He also welcomes as very encouraging the constructive approach and openness of a number of Governments which have shown a growing interest in the issues within his frame of reference, as well as a willingness to find a solution to them through a continued dialogue with the Special Rapporteur. 190. The Special Rapporteur is aware that the protection and promotion of the rights and freedoms enshrined in the 1981 Declaration continues to be a long-term undertaking in view of the complexity of underlying factors that generate situations inconsistent with its provisions. The specific features of such situations cannot be considered in isolation as they may be linked to socio-economic and other inequalities which hamper the enjoyment of these rights. Although he is aware how difficult it may be to overcome the distrust between members of different denominations, which are often rooted in complex historical processes, the Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that the maintenance of inter-faith dialogue is of the greatest importance in overcoming sectarian and intransigent attitudes and in increasing religious tolerance throughout the world. He also hopes that the recent establishment of democracy in many countries will also contribute to its reinforcement. 191. As he has already indicated in his previous reports, the Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that States should continue actively to consider the usefulness of preparing a binding international instrument on the elimination of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. In addition, as recommended by Mr. Theo van Boven, expert of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, in his working paper (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1989/32), this instrument should build on the standards