Freedom of religion or belief

mandate To investigate and report upon freedom of religion or belief, and to recommend remedial measures for situations including:
  • · harassment
  • · arbitrary arrest and detention
  • · torture and ill-treatment
  • · violations of the right to life
  • · desecration or destruction of places of worship, religious sanctuaries, property or cemeteries
  • · abuse of anti-blasphemy laws
  • · violations of the right to freedom of movement
  • · violations of the right to freedom of expression
The Special Rapporteur will transmit communications to governments and can make investigative visits to examine situations.
mandate created 1986
mandate expires/ is due for renewal 2004
type of mandate thematic/investigative
reports to Commission on Human Rights and General Assembly
current post holder Mr Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia)
un address

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Palais des Nations United Nations 8 -14 Avenue de la Paix 1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland

submissions by October for the Commission on Human Rights report, July for the General Assembly report
assistant’s name Ms Jacqueline Nzoyihera
ROOM NUMBER (no room assigned at time of going to press)
telephone 00 41 22 917 9000 (direct line not allocated at time of going to press)
fax 00 41 22 917 9018
e-mail j.nzoyihera.hchr@unog.ch
further reading UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief
other remarks See also special rapporteur on extra-judicial, summar or arbitrary executions, special rapporteur on torture, working party on arbitrary detentions, and special rapporteur on freedom of expression.