A/HRC/7/10/Add.1
page 4
INTRODUCTION
1.
This report gives an account of communications transmitted by the Special Rapporteur on
freedom of religion or belief between 1 December 2006 and 30 November 2007. It also contains
the replies received from Governments to her communications by 30 January 2008, as well as
observations of the Special Rapporteur where considered appropriate. Many of these observations
refer to the framework for communications (see E/CN.4/2006/5, Annex and A/HRC/6/5). The
various categories are as follows:
I. Freedom of religion or belief
1. Freedom to adopt, change or renounce a religion or belief
2. Freedom from coercion
3. The right to manifest one’s religion or belief
a) Freedom to worship
b) Places of worship
c) Religious symbols
d) Observance of holidays and days of rest
e) Appointing clergy
f) Teaching and disseminating materials (including missionary activity)
g) The right of parents to ensure the religious and moral education of their
children
h) Registration
i) Communicate with individuals and communities on religious matters at the
national and international level
j) Establish and maintain charitable and humanitarian institutions/solicit and
receive funding
k) Conscientious objection
II. Discrimination
1. Discrimination on the basis of religion or belief/inter-religious discrimination/tolerance
2. State religion
III. Vulnerable groups
1. Women
2. Persons deprived of their liberty
3. Refugees
4. Children
5. Minorities
6. Migrant workers
IV. Intersection of freedom of religion or belief with other human rights
1. Freedom of expression including questions related to religious conflicts, religious
intolerance and extremism
2. Right to life, right to liberty
3. Prohibition on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
V. Cross-cutting issues
1. Derogation
2. Limitation
3. Legislative issues
4. Defenders of freedom of religion or belief and non-governmental organizations.