Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

Report of the Special Rapporteur. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, in this report released December 2011, provides an overview of his activities for 2011. He then focuses on the varying meanings of recognition affecting freedom of religion and belief. This is particularly appropriate in the context of education about religions and beliefs, as recognition affects the ability of students to be educated about diverse religions and beliefs. In his conclusions and recommendations, the Special Rapporteur notes the importance of clearly distinguishing between the different meanings within the concept of State recognition, in order to avoid possible misunderstandings that could negatively affect the implementation of freedom of religion or belief, or even undermine its status as a universal human right.