E/CN.4/1997/91
page 10
Radio and Television Council to broadcast, but on another frequency. As for
the restitution of church property taken over by the State in 1948, the
authorities outlined State legislation and policy in that area, which sought
to identify the most appropriate measures for preserving the current social
usefulness of the property in question without creating privileges for certain
religions to the detriment of others.
38.
The United Kingdom indicated that State subsidies to private schools
were granted irrespective of the religious denomination of the establishment.
It was stated that, out of three applications for public funding from Muslim
schools, one had been withdrawn and the two others did not meet the criteria
established by the Secretary of State. Concerning the negative image of the
Muslim community in some of the media, it was recalled that freedom of the
press could be monitored by the Press Council.
39.
The Russian Federation informed the Special Rapporteur of the release of
conscientious objector Uvan Chaa Dozur-ool Mongushevich.
40.
Ukraine drew attention to the absence of restrictions on the activities
of foreign religious organizations and outlined its legislation guaranteeing
the principle of religious tolerance and non-discrimination with regard to
belief or opinion.
41.
It will furthermore be noted that, to date, replies to communications
sent within the framework of the report submitted to the fifty-second session
of the Commission on Human Rights are awaited from the following 31 States:
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bulgaria,
Cambodia, China, Cuba, Estonia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic,
Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua,
Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Sudan, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
42.
The Special Rapporteur would like to invite States, and especially those
which have not yet replied to communications, to show more cooperation and
more interest.
43.
Late replies were, nevertheless, received from the following States:
(a)
Germany emphasized the absence of discrimination against the
Church of Scientology and the Universal Life Church, and also the lack of
evidence provided, as well as the non-exhaustion of domestic remedies by the
complainants;
(b)
Saudi Arabia considered that the sole aim of the allegations was
to harm the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
(c)
Austria made the following points: “no legal recognition to the
Jehovah's Witnesses as public law corporation”; “the Jehovah's Witnesses not
only object to military service proper but also to alternative service of a
civilian nature ... Moreover, the Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal to permit
blood transfusion has problematical effects on public order in the field of
health”. The community may, however, practise its faith;