A/HRC/37/49/Add.1 concerns about the recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters, it should be noted that law enforcement authorities are only one part of a complex network of engagement that is required to lawfully and effectively prevent violent extremism. 55. The Government launched a programme to prevent violent extremism in 2016. The national strategy contains a number of elements that are commendable and necessary, yet the issue of addressing dissent within the Muslim community can be a particular challenge that is amplified by the lack of an ecclesiastical structure in Islam and the Government’s policy of managing its relations with members of different religions through leaders of their communities. 56. As noted above, it would be vital that such policies respect the principles of religious pluralism, universality and inclusion of all communities, groups and individuals on an equal footing as long as they are not engaging in violence, incitement to violence, hostility or discrimination, or activities that are considered criminal under international law. That should be done without granting a veto power on matters of creed to the heads of religious communities. One important way of achieving such inclusion is to foster both intrafaith and interfaith dialogue at the same time. The process of inclusion can also be supported by speeding up the legalization of various houses of worship, based on transparent and nondiscriminatory criteria, which would enable them to operate openly rather than clandestinely, and could then facilitate their integration into faith communities and a more inclusive engagement with other communities. Despite widespread legitimate concern about the potential threat of “extreme” or “radical” Islam, the Special Rapporteur is hopeful that there is strong commitment to uphold the unique societal harmony and coexistence that remains a reality in Albania today. The social and economic integration of marginalized communities may also contribute to reducing the fertile ground that nurses extremism drifts. 57. Challenges in this area are undoubtedly difficult, not only for Albania but for every country facing issues of radicalization and violent extremism. The Special Rapporteur is thankful that government officials responsible for implementing the national strategy to prevent violent extremism took the time to meet with him and explain the nuts and bolts of the strategy. He looks forward to engaging with them, along with other important stakeholders, in the coming years, to ensure that their programmes to prevent violent extremism are implemented in a manner that guarantees the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. D. Religious education 58. According to the Ministry of Education, public schools are secular and the law prohibits ideological and religious indoctrination. Religion is not taught in public schools. However, according to official figures, 103 associations and foundations affiliated with religious communities, organizations and foundations managed 101 educational institutions, of which 15 were officially religious-affiliated schools. By law, the Ministry of Education must license those schools and the curricula must comply with national education standards. Catholic and Muslim groups operated numerous State-licensed schools and allegedly reported that they have no problems obtaining licences for new schools. The Orthodox Church operated religious schools, a university and educational centres for the training of clerics. The Bektashis also operated religious training centres for clerics. 59. The capacity of religious communities to train their clergy and provide educational services for their adherents also appears to be an area that deserves particular attention. Several religious communities reported that the training of clergy and the reconstitution of educational infrastructure could be greatly enhanced if access to seized property were restored. Some individuals reported that their efforts to do so had, at times, come at the expense of their independence from international sources of funding. One religious leader noted that the lack of access to seized property had effectively turned the community into “international beggars” since 1990. 60. Not all issues related to religious education are dependent on the availability of funding or other resources. In some cases, the independence of religious communities to 13