harassment, arrest and imprisonment of innocent people, including members of religious minorities, such as Christians and Ahmadis. The laws continue to allow for the death penalty. Those found innocent remain at risk of mob violence. France and Belgium have instituted bans on the wearing of full-face veils, leading to fines. These have been followed by similar local initiatives. These bans raise questions regarding the freedom of religion or belief of Muslim minority women. They risk forcing women to stay away from public places, and contribute to a further stigmatisation of Muslim minorities across Europe. The particular needs of religious minority women lead MRG to suggest that the very welcome draft recommendations can be strengthened by specific inclusion of women throughout, especially inter alia paragraphs 25 27, 31 and 51. Finally, states must consider what signals are sent to the broader population. Even if their legislation contains non-discrimination provisions, laws such as those mentioned send a message to majorities that religious minorities can be treated differently and may be fair game for harassment and discrimination.