A/79/182 55. While there are many policy approaches that attempt to mobilize the power and influence of religious or belief traditions and institutions with regard to conflict prevention, mitigation or resolution, these do not necessarily equate to an approach consistent with freedom of religion or belief or with a human rights-based approach. It is therefore worth highlighting aspects that are inherent and particular to a freedom of religion or belief approach. Three such aspects are fundamental. 56. First, it is worth underlining that article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Individuals are protected in their non-derogable right to pursue, examine and develop their conscience, either within or outside of any given religious or belief tradition. Respect for freedom of thought, conscience and religion enables the d evelopment of ethical and moral positions beyond the status quo. 57. Second, while “interfaith” and “intrafaith” initiatives and dialogues are widespread, a freedom of religion or belief approach invites a more nuanced and inclusive approach. Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights “is not limited in its application to traditional relig ions or to religions or beliefs with institutional characteristics or practices analogous to those of traditional religions”. 103 Importantly, this includes religions or beliefs that are not recognized or held by a majority, as well as indigenous forms of spirituality, and protects diversity of thought, conscience and belief within religious traditions. 58. Finally, a freedom of religion or belief-based approach embodies the indivisibility and interrelatedness of human rights. As such, it must promote freedom of religion or belief in such a manner as to compliment the breadth of other relevant human rights in a given situation, including the right to non-discrimination, fair trial and due process rights, and the right to participation. A. Freedom of religion or belief in conflict prevention 59. The Security Council has called on States to support “quality education for peace, including by designing and implementing policies whereby education systems promote … freedom of religion or belief”. 104 Through encouraging exchange and learning between religious or belief communities, civil society-led initiatives can play a vital role in breaking down myths and stereotypes that may foster conflict at the local level. 105 60. Freedom of religion or belief mandates legal protection of, respect for, and fulfilment of the rights of all, including of religious or belief minorities. Bringing the constitutional and legal order in line with freedom of religious or belief and other relevant human rights, and giving effect to these rights, is an obligation of immediate character under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also allows minority grievances and inequalities to be addressed, and offers rob ust protection __________________ 103 104 105 24-13239 CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4, para. 2. Security Council resolution 2686 (2023), para. 8. For example, see the peer-to-peer learning methodology advanced in Ibrahim Salama and Michael Wiener, “‘Faith for Rights’ in armed conflict: lessons from practice”, Journal of Human Rights Practice, 7 June 2023. See, for example, Fathima Azmiya Badurdeen, “Harnessing local traditional beliefs in environmental advocacy and peacebuilding: FORB interventions in Indonesia and Kenya”, University of Groningen, The Religion Factor blog, available at www.rug.nl/research/centre-forreligious-studies/research-centres/centre-religion-conflict-globalization/blog/harnessing-localtraditional-beliefs-in-environmental-advocacy-and-peacebuilding-forb-interventions. See also the work of the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action, Religions for Peace, the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, the Institute for Global Engagement, the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation, the Forum for Promot ing Peace in Muslim Societies, Love Your Neighbor Community, Globethics and Tearfund. 15/22