A/HRC/13/23/Add.2 long-term detention and/or terms and conditions of release of the individual subject to the security certificate. IV. Identity, religion, language 64. Amongst initiatives to promote tolerance and knowledge of diversity within Canadian identity, the federal Government has initiated Black History Month, marked annually in February. It includes events that honour the legacy of black Canadians and raise awareness of their long history in Canada, their experiences and contributions to Canadian society, past and present. Official literature acknowledges the relative absence of people of African descent from Canadian history books. Asian Heritage Month in May recognizes similar omissions and seeks similar objectives in respect to Canada’s varied Asian communities, while recognizing past injustices. A. Religious minorities 65. Freedom of religion is protected in Canada under section 2 (a) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The purpose of section 2 (a) is to ensure that society does not interfere with profoundly personal beliefs that govern one’s perception of oneself, humankind, nature, and, in some cases, a higher or different order of being. The Supreme Court has interpreted freedom of conscience and religion very broadly and has acknowledged that it is not restricted to major and recognizable religions. 66. Minorities were positive about the extent of freedom to express their religious identity and consider that Canada offers an enabling environment. However, Muslim community members expressed concerns over increasing Islamophobia within mainstream society. Some described anxiety over openly expressing their faith, supporting Islamic schools or promoting Muslim rights, lest they be perceived as extremists. A rise in antiIslamic sentiment is leading some to question their equality and their ability to speak out openly about Muslim issues. 67. A debate on “reasonable accommodation” of racial, ethnic and religious differences and practices undertaken in Quebec since 2006 has, some claim, taken on racist dimensions and revealed prejudices. Muslims and others point to a “false crisis” created by the media regarding Islam in Canada despite census statistics revealing that Muslims form little over 2.5 per cent of the population. Muslim women’s groups highlight that stereotypes about Muslim women differ markedly from reality and help to fuel anti-Muslim sentiment. 68. In 2003 the Ontario Human Rights Commission launched an examination into the human cost of profiling in social institutions for individuals, their families and their communities. Having identified more than 800 personal accounts, the Commission said the practice may lead to alienation, an eventual mistrust of Canada’s institutions, and a weakened sense of citizenship for targeted racial and ethnic groups. 69. Polls carried out in 200925 revealed that only 28 per cent nationally had a “generally favourable opinion” of Islam compared to 72 per cent for Christianity. About 45 per cent of those polled said that they believe that Islam encourages violence. Muslims and Arab representatives stated that negative stereotypes abound in Canadian society including in the mass media and entertainment industry and have been reinforced since September 2001. 25 16 See John Geddes, “What Canadians think of Sikhs, Jews, Christians, Muslims …”, Macleans.ca, 28 April 2009. Available from http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/04/28/what-canadians-think-of-sikhsjews-christians-muslims/. GE.10-11860