A/HRC/31/18/Add.1 22. In reality, religious diversity has developed far beyond the recognized communities. Unrecognized religious communities include the Baha’is, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons. Recent waves of immigration have brought Hindus and Buddhists to the country, most of whom make their living as migrant workers. Moreover, many Lebanese see themselves as agnostics or atheists, and express quite critical views on religious issues. Some openly call themselves “non -believers”. The existing and emerging religious and belief-related pluralisms in Lebanon thus obviously exceed the 18 officially recognized confessions. B. Appreciation for diversity 23. There seems to be broad agreement in Lebanese society that the diversity of religions and beliefs deserves to be cherished, defended and further developed. In discussions, people often emphasized that no religious community in Lebanon would wish to see the country turned into a mono -religious entity, let alone a religious State. Interlocutors from different religious backgrounds further more stressed that the existence of “other” religions gave them more breathing space, even within their own religions. 24. Mixed marriages between Christians and Muslims, or between those from different Christian denominations or schools of Islam, are wid espread in Lebanon, resulting in religious pluralism within family life. Unlike in most other Arab countries, the Lebanese may change their religious affiliation legally, conve rting not only from Christianity to Islam, but also from Islam to Christianity. Conversions also take place between different Christian denominations and (albeit rarely) between followers of different branches of Islam. 25. Violent clashes with sectarian overtones have been comparatively rare in recent years. The Special Rapporteur was nonetheless informed of serious concerns that the mounting tensions throughout the region between Sunnis and Shias, and the States that claim to represent them, could have an impact on the coexistence between these two communities in Lebanon too. Religious persecution is unknown in the country. As much was confirmed also by members of non-recognized communities, such as the Baha’is and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who, although feeling exposed to stereotyping and discrimination, still voiced their clear apprecia tion for the fact that they can live in Lebanon in safety and in accordance with their religious convictions. IV. Living together in a religiously diverse society 26. The rise of religious extremism in the Middle East has sharpened the awareness that diversity cannot be taken for granted, and that much is currently at stake. While some interlocutors expressed varying degrees of confidence in the stability of the country, others went so far as to say that violent conflicts could re emerge at any time. 27. When discussing the factors that have kept Lebanese society united across all religious and denominational boundaries, the Special Rapporteur heard different views that pointed to different dimensions of coexistence, all of which should be taken into account: efforts at interreligious communication; the everyday culture of living together; common Lebanese citizenship; and the system of power -sharing that balances the claims of various communities. 8