Freedom of religion or belief

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The ten official reports to the UN Human Rights Council by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief cover significant topics such as religious minorities, apostasy, blasphemy, conversion, women's rights, and education. Heiner Bielefeldt, who has held the position since 2009, dedicates each report to a major theme, addressing complex and often emotional issues that are frequently overlooked. He explores the interplay between various human rights, emphasizing that they should not be viewed in opposition to one another, as they ultimately coexist. The issues he examines are pertinent to a wide array of societal institutions, including the state, educational systems, employers, and organized religion. Bielefeldt's academic background includes studies in Catholic theology, philosophy, and history, culminating in a doctorate in philosophy. He has held various academic positions and served as Director of the German Institute for Human Rights from 2003 to 2009, monitoring the human rights situation in Germany. Since 2010, he has been a Professor of Human Rights and Human Rights Policy at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and was reappointed as Special Rapporteur in 2013.