A/RES/64/156 of peace, held on 12 and 13 November 2008, and their valuable efforts towards the promotion of a culture of peace and dialogue at all levels, and taking note with appreciation of the programmes led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in this regard, Underlining the importance of increasing contacts at all levels in order to deepen dialogue and reinforce understanding among different cultures, religions, beliefs and civilizations, and in this regard taking note with appreciation of the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the Ministerial Meeting on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Tehran on 3 and 4 September 2007, 11 10F Recognizing the importance of the intersection of religion and race and that instances can arise of multiple or aggravated forms of discrimination on the basis of religion and other grounds, such as race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, Recalling its resolution 63/171 of 18 December 2008, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General; 12 1F 2. Expresses deep concern at the negative stereotyping of religions and manifestations of intolerance and discrimination in matters of religion or belief still evident in the world; Strongly deplores all acts of psychological and physical violence and 3. assaults, and incitement thereto, against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, and such acts directed against their businesses, properties, cultural centres and places of worship, as well as targeting of holy sites and religious symbols of all religions; Expresses deep concern at the programmes and agendas pursued by 4. extremist organizations and groups aimed at creating and perpetuating stereotypes about certain religions, in particular when condoned by Governments; Notes with deep concern the intensification of the overall campaign of 5. defamation of religions, and incitement to religious hatred in general, including the ethnic and religious profiling of Muslim minorities in the aftermath of the tragic events of 11 September 2001; Recognizes that, in the context of the fight against terrorism, defamation 6. of religions, and incitement to religious hatred in general, become aggravating factors that contribute to the denial of fundamental rights and freedoms of members of target groups, as well as to their economic and social exclusion; Expresses deep concern, in this respect, that Islam is frequently and 7. wrongly associated with human rights violations and terrorism; 8. Reiterates the commitment of all States to the implementation, in an integrated manner, of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which was adopted without a vote by the General Assembly on 8 September 2006 13 and reaffirmed by the Assembly in its resolution 62/272 of 5 September 2008, and which clearly confirms, inter alia, that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, stressing the need to reinforce 12 F _______________ 11 A/62/464, annex. A/64/209. 13 Resolution 60/288. 12 4