particularly true where these deficits are coupled with other conditions such as competition over territory, resources and power, biased politics and favoritism along ethnic or religious lines, which results in tensions between communities. Hate speech and incitement to ethnic or religious hatred can also contribute to start and fuel violence against minorities, particularly when initiated by prominent figures, including politicians, religious leaders and public officials and broadcasted in mass media. I am very concerned by the misuse of social media nowadays, which has proven to be an effective means to foster and incite violence against particular individuals and groups when manipulated by extremist and terrorist organizations. We must also be aware that once the violence against minority groups has broken out, in many cases it is committed with total impunity, which reinforces the cycle of violence. In addition, legislative, justice and institutional structures and environments often fail to provide adequate protection against attacks or the possibility of redress for victims and appropriate penalties for perpetrators, leaving perpetrators free and victims even more vulnerable. This Forum will cover many issues and reflect on the measures to adequately prevent and address violence against minorities once it has started. In my report to the General Assembly, I analyzed as well some of the key elements necessary to prevent violence against minorities. Let me briefly refer to some of these measures. Firstly, it is necessary to guarantee full compliance with international standards for equality, non-discrimination and minority rights, as well as good and inclusive governance. Full implementation of minority rights not only enables national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities to enjoy their rights in equality, but helps to create a social environment of respect, understanding and acceptance of diversity which is conducive to the peaceful coexistence of different groups. This legislative framework of protection for minorities is necessary but not sufficient. It must be complemented with dedicated institutional attention to minority issues, through the establishment of specialized departments or bodies with responsibility for minority and inter-ethnic and inter-religious issues. This institutional attention ensures that consideration is given to minority issues at an early stage, ideally with the full participation of all minorities. It can increase governments’ capacity to engage with and consult minorities and to identify problems, threats and concerns before they escalate. 3