Because the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Asma Jahangir, was unable to attend the end of the Human Rights Council’s debate on her mandate on 17 September (the assessment of her mandate had been postponed), she submitted her final remarks to the Council in writing.
Ms Jahangir makes a number of recommendations about the continuation of her mandate for the Council’s consideration:
1. The mandate should continue to pay specific attention to the freedom of religion or belief of vulnerable groups: women, prisoners, refugees, children, minorities and migrant workers.
2. Prevention should be an important focus for the mandate. She intends to help develop guiding principles on teaching about religions and beliefs in schools.
3. It is important for the mandate holder to have a constructive dialogue with governments and NGOs. This, Ms Jahangir believes, is essential when exchanging communications and conducting country visits.
The Human Rights Council has yet to decide the future of the freedom of religion or belief mandate. Given the challenges to this particular human right, it is vital that the Council ensures that the Special Rapporteur continues to have a strong mandate that will allow her to challenge violations as well as boosting preventative measures.
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