2011 Report of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Heiner Bielefeldt

In this 2011 submission to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur stresses the importance of clearly distinguishing between the different official meanings of recognition of religious groups and the role of the state in this respect, noting that different interpretations could negatively affect the implementation of freedom of religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur concludes that states should ensure that all individuals – regardless of recognition status – enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief on the basis of respect for their inherent human dignity.