A/HRC/19/60/Add.2 sentence in a penitentiary as a result of repeated refusals to undertake military service on the grounds of conscience objection (see paragraphs 51 to 54 below). 42. With regard to the situation of atheists and non-believers, the Special Rapporteur received contradictory information. While some interlocutors stated that atheists in today’s Moldovan society are seen as somewhat “strange”, others expressed the view that, not least as a result of the Soviet era, atheistic convictions continue to exist on a large scale, maybe even among individuals who formally belong to a church. He did not hear any reports about harassment or discrimination against atheists and non-believers. 43. In general, it seems that appreciation of diversity, including in questions of religion or belief, still encounters obstacles in society. Although such diversity clearly constitutes a feature in the country’s past and present, there continues to be reluctance towards embracing diversity positively as a societal and cultural asset. For important sectors of society, religious pluralism, rather than enriching the country, mainly appears to trigger fears and perceptions of a threatened loss of national cohesion. 44. Moreover, a culture of interreligious communication still needs to develop in the Republic of Moldova. During the round table organized by the Ministry of Justice, a representative of one religious community maintained that there was little dialogue even among the various Orthodox churches. When observing the interaction between the different denominations sitting across the table, the Special Rapporteur noticed clear signs of mutual distrust. Participants rarely took up a statement made by a member of another group in a positive manner. While trying to reserve as much speaking time as possible for their own interests, there seemed to be little willingness to listen to others or to identify common goals. On a positive note, a Roman Catholic priest mentioned cases of successful cooperation with the Orthodox Church in common charity projects. 45. One major reason for the apparently unsatisfactory communication among denominations may lie in the past, namely, in the traumas of the country’s history, which include dictatorship, religious persecution, wars and other manifestations of massive violence. Establishing clear facts and precise analyses on the recent history and presenting the findings to the general public with the purpose of dispelling myths and conspiracy projections constitutes an enormous intellectual and educational challenge. Taking up this challenge will certainly have, however, a beneficial effect in the long run on the development of a culture of appreciation of religious and belief diversity in the Republic of Moldova. 46. A general climate of scepticism was noticeable also with regard to State institutions, with the result that acts of positive civic engagement apparently remain rare. Moreover, a broad and stable consensus that the public sphere –in terms of both physical public places and a culture of public discourse – should be open for everybody in a non-discriminatory manner may still be lacking. This has detrimental consequences for minorities, which continue to face difficulties when trying to meet or present their views in the public sphere. For instance, recently, a group of Seventh-Day Adventists, and members of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender groups, were denied the use of central public spaces in Chisinau, reportedly as a result of opposition voiced by some sectors from within the Orthodox Church or affiliated groups. D. Freedom of religion or belief in public school education 47. School education is of paramount significance to eradicate existing stereotypes and prejudices and to promote an atmosphere of appreciation of diversity, including in areas of 13