E/CN.4/1996/95 page 3 10. Most of the replies from Governments, rather few in number (see E/CN.4/1995/91/Add.1), referred to constitutions, relevant laws and regulations, even religious law and traditions relating to the question of freedom of religion or belief as well as legal measures taken to combat intolerance and discrimination in this area, and lastly governmental policies. The information provided dealt essentially with the following subjects: (a) Protection and promotion of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief and related human rights, for example, freedom of expression, information, assembly and association, and equality before the law; (b) Protection and promotion of the right to manifest one’s religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching, the right to assembly and form peaceful associations in connection with a religion or belief, the right to teach a religion or belief in places suitable for these purposes, and the right to observe days of rest and to celebrate holidays and ceremonies in accordance with the precepts of one’s religion or belief; (c) Prevention and elimination of discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief and, in particular, protection against discrimination in education, access to the civil service, employment, practising a profession, and marriage; (d) Legal provisions on cases of infringement relating to beliefs or religious sentiments and the protection of places, ceremonies and traditions connected with religion or belief; (e) Conscientious objection to military service; (f) Education, including religious instruction of children and adults, and provisions and practices in this field; (g) Legal restrictions on the above-mentioned rights. III. IMPORTANCE OF IN SITU VISITS 11. Recalling resolution 1995/23 of the Commission on Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize the importance which he attaches to visits made in situ in order to further the dialogue already initiated with many Governments and also better to appreciate the full complexity of the situations of religious intolerance. 12. From 1987 to 1993, in addition to visiting a number of countries in a personal capacity, the Special Rapporteur, Mr. d’Almeida Ribeiro, made an official visit to Bulgaria at the initiative of the Bulgarian Government (see E/CN.4/1988/95). 13. In November 1994, the Special Rapporteur made a visit to China at the initiative of the People’s Republic of China (see E/CN.4/1995/1991). In June 1995, the Special Rapporteur visited Pakistan (E/CN.4/1996/95/Add.1)