violence and conflict. Denied such rights, religious minorities frequently report feeling socially excluded, marginalized and sometimes the targets of negative media portrayals and political discourse. My analysis of the information I receive relating to religious minorities globally reveals disturbing trends. Violations include administrative and legal barriers such as the denial of registration, bans on religious literature, and the prohibition of religious activity or the right to freely assemble, worship and practice religion. Some religious communities face obstacles to the construction of their places of worship while others have experienced the vandalization or destruction of religious property, historic sites and graves. Of particular concern are hate-motivated attacks on individuals and groups, mob violence, bombings and executions. Research reveals that religious minorities face far greater risks both in times of peace and during conflict. This Forum will cover many issues, however I will focus my comments on just two areas that I believe require particular attention during our work together over the next two days. Firstly, the rising tide of violent attacks against religious minorities. Underlying the full enjoyment of all rights by religious minorities is the guarantee of security. It is the primary duty of States to protect their security and where relationships have deteriorated, violence has increased or patterns of discrimination against religious minorities have become the norm, there is a need for a particularly focused intervention by the State. Protecting the security of religious minorities requires more than reacting to incidents of violence. It requires positive and preventative actions which include active engagement with religious minorities, a full understanding of their situations and security concerns, the monitoring of non-State actors who incite religious hatred, and the establishment of appropriate procedures and concrete measures for the protection of religious minorities. Too often State action to prevent violence is inadequate and responses to violent acts are too little and too late. Religious minorities often find themselves in conditions of structural vulnerability which can lead to a vicious cycle perpetuating discrimination, hostility, insecurity and violence. As I highlighted in my report to the General Assembly, minority rights-based approaches to the issues of religious minorities help to break this cycle by ensuring full inclusion and guaranteeing equality. Adequate legislation must also be in place as a key component of efforts to address discrimination as well as acts of violence and incitement to religious hatred. But it must be fully enforced in practice with appropriate penalties. States have an obligation to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence against persons belonging to religious minorities,