E/CN.4/2002/73 page 3 The Special Rapporteur now wishes to introduce briefly the two addenda to the present document. In the report on his mission to Argentina between 23 and 30 April 2001 (E/CN.4/2002/73/Add.1), he analyses the situation as to freedom of religion or belief, which in overall terms is clearly positive. Concerning the study on the status of women in the light of religion and traditions (E/CN.4/2002/73/Add.2), he wishes to emphasize once again that respect for cultures and traditions should go hand in hand with respect for the rights of women, who are often reduced to lesser and sometimes distinctly second-class status, very often not so much because of religion or traditions as because of considerations imputed to them. The Special Rapporteur would like to receive the views of the Commission on this matter. He also wishes to stress that it would be useful to prepare studies on religious extremism, on the consequences of the events of 11 September, and on sects. The Commission’s guidance on these issues would promote better knowledge of these matters and facilitate calmer and more thorough analysis, the key element being respect for internationally established norms in all circumstances, free of the passions generated by specific situations.