E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.3 Page 22 118. The Special Rapporteur is convinced that the foundations of Sri Lankan society have been solidly laid and strengthened with history to address the signs of such dangers appropriately. 119. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur has not received sufficient elements of proof to convince her that some of the acts complained of were in fact forced conversions. While it is arguable that forced conversion can also be committed by subtle, indirect means, coercion still has to be proved, which is difficult. However, while some have exaggerated behaviour that does not necessarily raise concern in terms of human rights, the Special Rapporteur recognizes that a number of improper ways of persuading people to change their religion may have been used by members of some religious groups or organizations and that many Sri Lankans may perceive this as a form of disrespect on the part of certain groups of Western origins, which might have affronted Sri Lankan values and traditions without respecting and understanding them. 120. The Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that these religious groups should make a clear separation between their humanitarian efforts and their religious work, respect other religious beliefs in their missionary activities and not use aggressive forms of proselytizing, as they could disturb the atmosphere of religious harmony and provoke further religious intolerance. Draft laws 121. Further to the observations made in section V, the Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that the draft legislation16 is not an appropriate response to the religious tensions and is not compatible wi th international human rights law, in particular with the right to freedom of religion or belief. 122. She considers that the adoption of such laws would lead to violations of the essential and fundamental part of the right to freedom of religion or belief; the Government would be taking a very serious risk with respect to its obligations under the relevant international conventions. Moreover, the very principle of these laws as well as their wording could engender widespread persecution of certain religious minorities. Finally, the future implementation of the laws may prove extremely difficult and lead to an unlawful discrimination. 123. On the other hand, the Special Rapporteur considers that alternative mechanisms such as an inter-religious council would have the advantage of promoting an interreligious dialogue, which is the only way to address such tensions. 124. The Special Rapporteur wishes to make clear that a majority of the persons with whom she spoke during her visit expressed sentiments that could pave the way for dissipating emerging tensions and overcoming the forces of intolerance. In the current situation, as is often the case, the voices of intolerance are given a place that does not correspond to their real position in society. The Government clearly has the tools to reverse this tendency and properly address religious tensions while observing respect for international human rights law.