2. Create a “Freedom of Religion or Belief” Ombudsman who is responsible for protecting religious freedom in each country. The Ombudsman would preside over an independent board composed of academics, members of minority religions, members of majority religions and government officials with a record of protecting human rights. This Ombudsman would have the authority to investigate abuses by public officials and to follow up on complaints and issue mandatory recommendations to the national government. His reports would be published annually and contain a thorough analysis of the state of religious liberty in each country. Such a role would greatly facilitate the work of the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
This religious liberty board would consult with human rights organisations to educate police, judges, teachers and civil servants on religious liberty issues.
3. In addition, establish an independent European Ombudsman within the Council of Europe structure to ensure that member states abide by European and international human rights treaties. The Ombudsman would have the power to investigate human rights abuses, to call witnesses and subpeona evidence. He would be empowered to follow up on complaints against government officials. His findings would be published and his recommendations acted upon.
Implementing these measures would enormously increase the extent to which religious freedom is protected in Europe.
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