A/HRC/37/44 practise religious rites; protection of the person and the property of foreigners; preservation of national unity; and respect for public order and public morals. 63. Turkey reported that a number of religious ceremonies had been organized in monasteries, churches, mosques and synagogues, particularly following significant restoration projects. Law No. 4928 (2003) on public works was amended to extend the freedoms of individuals with different faiths and beliefs regarding their places of worship so that they may undertake construction, maintenance and repair of sanctuaries. This provision was also inserted in municipality law No. 5393 (2102) allowing municipalities to undertake construction, maintenance and restoration of sanctuaries, as well as health, educational and cultural facilities and buildings. In 2016, it is reported that 355 churches, 24 chapels, 40 synagogues and 419 places of worship benefited from this legislation. 64. The statutory decree (2011) relating to the Law on Foundations (No. 5737) (2008) provided for the return of confiscated properties to community foundations established by members of different faith groups. Accordingly, in Turkey, 333 properties were returned and compensation for 21 properties was paid. 65. Qatar reported that the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue invites clergy and church officials based in Doha to advise the Center on how to improve the flows of communication between Qatari and non-Qatari residents. The Center also regularly holds workshops, giving platforms to non-Qatari residents to express their concerns regarding their well-being. Local media are invited to write about these concerns, and the Government is informed of serious issues of concern to expatriates in Qatar. 66. The State of Palestine reported on the existence of several societies, associations and charities based on religion and faith. Its laws guarantee the establishment and maintenance of further societies. For example, article 2 of law No. 1 of 2000 on the formation of associations provides that Palestinians have the right to practise social, cultural, professional and scientific activities freely, which includes the establishment of societies and local associations in accordance with the law. 67. The Law on Religious Liberty (Act 16/2001) in Portugal introduced the legal framework for religions or religious communities established in the country for at least 30 years and/or internationally recognized for at least 60 years. It covers religious participation, education, employment, goods and services, marriage and religious television and radio broadcasting times. 68. In the United States, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission through its 53 field offices nationwide engages in outreach to provide information about employment discrimination, including discrimination based on religious beliefs and practices. To combat backlash against workers based on religion and national origin in the wake of terrorist attacks, the Commission has proactively reminded employers and employees to be mindful of incidents of harassment, intimidation or discrimination in the workplace. This proactive approach includes the agency’s release of resource materials in a question-and-answer format explaining employers’ and employees’ rights and responsibilities under the federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on religion.19 69. Ukraine reported that in June 2017 a meeting between the Prime Minister and the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations was held. It was stressed that the Council would continue contributing to the strengthening of Ukraine as an integral democratic State based on social justice and law. 70. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reported that the Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Peace is developing coexistence, awareness-raising and tolerance initiatives to prevent stigmatization and negative stereotyping in the country. These measures strengthen peace and multicultural coexistence, manifest in the good relationship between the four religions (Catholic, Evangelical, Islam and Judaism) as well as all the Venezuelan religions of African origin, reaffirming guarantees of inclusiveness and freedom of worship wherein 19 12 See www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/muslim_middle_eastern_employers.cfm.