SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR BELIEF TO VISIT MALDIVES

27 July 2006


The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, will visit the Maldives from 6 to 10 August 2006 at the invitation of the Government.

During the visit, the Special Rapporteur will travel to Male and other locations in the Maldives. She will meet with Government officials, representatives of religious communities and members of civil society in order to analyze the situation of freedom of religion or belief in the country.

The Special Rapporteur will submit a report on the visit including conclusions and recommendations to the Human Rights Council.

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur consists of protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief in accordance with the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief (1981), and other relevant international instruments.

For further information please contact Anthony Cardon (+41 22 917 98 27) or Anna Crawford (+41 22 917 9842).