E/CN.4/1999/58 page 24 for members of religions not officially recognized. Travel abroad by religious figures reportedly requires the authorization of the authorities. Democratic People's Republic of Korea 90. The authorities reportedly discourage all religious activities apart from those that serve the interests of the State. Romania 91. The question of the restitution of religious property confiscated under the previous regime was reportedly the cause of conflicts between religious communities, particularly between the Orthodox Church and the Greek Catholic Church. 92. Romania sent a detailed reply on progress made in the matter of freedom of religion, namely: a bill on religions, providing for an inventory of goods and property that previously belonged to churches; preparation of an emergency order for the restitution of 200 properties; amendment of the land laws to include the issue of restitution; a governmental decision establishing alternative service for conscientious objectors, as well as a bill; reorganization of the Secretariat for Religion; creation of a permanent advisory organ composed of representatives of all recognized denominations to advise the Government; progress - despite incidents - in the restitution of property by the Orthodox Church to the Uniate Church. 93. The Special Rapporteur is grateful to Romania for its unfailing attention to his communications and the quality of its replies. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 94. The Runnymede Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia apparently called for an end to all prejudice against Muslims in the media and in the workplace and for State grants to Muslim schools. 95. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland drew attention to the absence of legislation covering religious discrimination in Great Britain, unlike Northern Ireland. The Government was addressing this issue and “with the agreement of Cabinet colleagues, the Home Secretary has decided that the Home Office will commission research into the nature and extent of religious discrimination in Great Britain”. After a period of 18 months, the appropriateness of actions to be undertaken would be decided on the basis of that research. “The Home Secretary responded positively to the report of the Runnymede Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia. The Government is currently considering the report, which raises a number of wide-ranging issues. Regarding State funding for Muslim schools, under the 1996 Education Act, it is open to independent promoters, including existing independent schools, to seek approval from Government for the establishment of new voluntary-aided schools. All proposals are judged on their individual merits, taking into account educational needs and parental demand.” It was also indicated that, in January 1998, the Government had approved State grants for two planned independent Muslim schools in London and Birmingham.