A/HRC/25/58/Add.1 as enshrined in section 24 of the Constitution and in the international instruments to which Sierra Leone is a party. In this context, more attention should also be given to the “negative” aspect of freedom of religion or belief. (c) One example in this regard is the need to provide for low-threshold exemptions from participation in collective religious ceremonies in schools. Collective religious practices in schools should always be voluntary. To ensure everyone’s freedom to participate or not to participate, in accordance with their convictions, exemptions should be easily available and should not have a de facto punitive effect. Paying more attention to this issue would bring the existing practice more into line with the provision of section 24, subsection 2, of the Constitution of Sierra Leone. (d) Harmful traditional practices can never be justified by invoking freedom of religion or belief, which as a human right must always be seen in conjunction with other human rights. Concerning female genital mutilation (FGM), the Special Rapporteur refers to the TRC recommendations which call for joint efforts to put a stop this cruel practice. He also refers to his 2013 interim report to the General Assembly in which he systematically analyses the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and equality between men and women (A/68/290). (e) Likewise, the harassment or even persecution of persons accused of witchcraft can never be justified as a legitimate manifestation of anyone’s freedom of religion or belief. Streamlining the traditionally fragmented court system by implementing the Local Courts Act of 2011 is one precondition to stopping human rights violations being inflicted on persons suspected of practising witchcraft. Equally important are ongoing investments in education. In order to enhance credibility, the State should also repeal the existing criminal law provision against magical practices (fungay). (f) Measures taken against traditional harmful practices, including public criticism of gender-related violence or witch-hunting, should always be combined with respect for persons who adhere to traditional African spirituality. Freedom of religion or belief, while allowing for legally defined limitations if needed to protect the rights and freedoms of others (in accordance with the criteria in article 18, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) must be broadly understood. It clearly includes traditional African religion and its various manifestations. (g) The Government should continue to support the admirable work of the Inter-Religious Council while fully respecting its independence. 59. Recommendations mainly addressed to religious communities: (a) Religious communities are encouraged to continue to cooperate in the spirit of open-heartedness which is so tangible in Sierra Leone. Through inter- and intra-religious cooperation they also fulfil a major requirement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (b) Religious communities and their umbrella organizations should speak out publicly against harmful practices, which are sometimes broadly associated with “tradition”, “culture” or “religion”. A clear public stance articulated by religious communities against gender-related violence, particularly FGM, would contribute to overcoming such cruel practices. In this context, the Special Rapporteur once more refers to the TRC final report. (c) Religious communities and their umbrella organizations are encouraged to continue to exercise vigilance against the possible spread of religious extremism, which so far has had no influence in Sierra Leone. The deeply rooted culture of tolerance has proved to be the best antidote against religious extremism. 16