A/HRC/7/10/Add.4 page 2 Summary The historical and political context of the current assessment is the 27-year civil war in Angola following independence in 1975 and an earlier lengthy struggle against colonialism. A peace agreement signed in 2002 between the Government of the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) put an end to the conflict but could not reverse the devastating effect it had had on the country and its infrastructure, which reportedly left at least 500,000 people dead and, at the time, millions of internally displaced persons. An armed struggle has persisted in the enclave of Cabinda led by the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda, albeit at a much lower level, despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding for peace and reconciliation on 1 August 2006. In Angola today, many are able to practice their religion or belief freely; there is, in this regard, a measure of tolerance within Angolan society. The Special Rapporteur, however, notes a number of concerns. While the 1992 Constitution of Angola enshrines the right to freedom of religion or belief, law no. 2/04 on freedom of religion, conscience and worship discriminates against religious minorities by imposing stringent registration requirements on religious communities wishing to attain legal status. A number of religious communities have not been able to attain legal status, while others have no chance of doing so. The Special Rapporteur was heartened by the willingness of the Government to consider reforming the law. While recognizing the challenges faced by the proliferation of religious communities in Angola, the Special Rapporteur notes that legal registration should depend neither on reviews of the substantive content of the belief nor on extensive formal requirements. In Cabinda, where expressions of dissent by civil society have been quelled by the authorities, a conflict within the Catholic church continues. This conflict has resulted in acts of violence, intimidation, harassment and arrests by the security forces of individuals disputing the appointment of the Bishop of Cabinda, who is perceived as being connected to the MPLA Government. Violence and threats of violence against the leadership of the Catholic church in Cabinda are also reported. Some other issues of concern also studied during the Special Rapporteur’s visit include media reports and statements by Government officials stigmatizing Muslims, the treatment of children accused of witchcraft, the closure of mosques and other places of worship, administrative requirements for Radio Ecclésia and concerns about the situation of persons in any form of detention. In the present report, the Special Rapporteur studies these problems and concludes with a series of recommendations.