A/HRC/61/50 94. Where burial grounds are operated only by religious groups on behalf of the State, provision needs to be given to those who do not belong to any of those faiths, or whose claimed faith gives rise to questions regarding the legitimacy of their belonging. The authorities should offer provision that is equal and practicable and accommodates burial rights to the highest extent possible. The authorities should also be alert to the imperative of ensuring that any provision of public funding for funeral rights should be made available without discrimination, unless that distinction is reasonable and objective according to law.114 95. Attention needs to be given to communities that are too small to operate separate sites, or where the diminishing community numbers means that it is difficult to maintain their burial sites. This is especially the case where there are strong beliefs around the responsibility of the living to allow the dead to rest, where the sacredness of the burial site is extended over time or where ancestor worship requires ongoing proximity to the remains of the deceased. D. Accountability 96. Accountability for infringements of funeral rights requires justice systems to be alert to, for example, disproportionate or exploitative burdens or charges on those requiring funeral rights that differ from the majority, protection from attacks on funeral services and processions, protection against acts of hatred targeting burial sites, and the implementation of steps to prevent such attacks in the future and provide remedies for violations. This needs to be delivered on in practice and at the local level. VII. Activities of the Special Rapporteur 97. An overview of the activities of the Special Rapporteur from 1 January to 24 July 2025 is provided in her most recent report to the General Assembly. 115 She has since participated in numerous activities, as set out below. A. United Nations and related activities 98. In October 2025, the Special Rapporteur presented her report on freedom of religion or belief of people on the move to the General Assembly at its eightieth session. 116 In that report, she emphasized that freedom of religion or belief applies to all persons on an equal basis, including asylum-seekers and refugees, internally displaced persons, migrant workers and members of their families. The report was well-received, with more than 20 State interventions during the interactive dialogue. 99. During her stay in New York, she had several meetings with State representatives and other stakeholders, and spoke at side events on the theme of the report. 100. Since 25 July, the Special Rapporteur has initiated or joined 11 communications addressed to Governments concerning a range of violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief.117 She has also initiated or joined several press releases and other public statements on matters concerning freedom of religion or belief.118 114 115 116 117 118 18 Waldman v. Canada (CCPR/C/67/D/694/1996), para. 10.6. A/80/205. Ibid. SYR 7/2025, OTH 107/2025, IRN 16/2025, IND 8/2025, PAK 8/2025, IND 9/2025, KOR 6/2025, VNM 7/2025, PNG 1/2025, TUR 9/2025 and KAZ 5/2025. See https://www.ohchr.org/en/latest?field_content_category_target_id%5B158%5D=158&field_content_ category_target_id%5B162%5D=162&field_content_category_target_id%5B161%5D=161&field_co ntent_category_target_id%5B159%5D=159&field_content_category_target_id%5B907. GE.25-21055

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