Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief A/RES/68/169 involves the acceptance by the public of and its respect for religious and cultural diversity, including with regard to religious expression, and underlining further the fact that education, in particular at school, should contribute in a meaningful way to promoting tolerance and the elimination of discrimination based on religion or belief, Recognizing that working together to enhance the implementation of existing legal regimes that protect individuals against discrimination and hate crimes, increase interreligious, interfaith and intercultural efforts and expand human rights education is an important first step in combating incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against individuals on the basis of religion or belief, Welcoming the leading role of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in promoting intercultural dialogue, as well as the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the Anna Lindh Foundation and the work of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna, established on the basis of the purposes and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 4 and acknowledging the important role that the Centre is playing as a platform for the enhancement of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, Welcoming also, in this regard, all international, regional and national initiatives aimed at promoting interreligious, intercultural and interfaith harmony and combating discrimination against individuals on the basis of religion or belief, including the launching of the Istanbul Process, Welcoming further the continuation of the organization of workshops and meetings in the framework of the Istanbul Process to discuss the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution 16/18, Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on combating 1. intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief; 5 2. Expresses deep concern at the continued serious instances of derogatory stereotyping, negative profiling and stigmatization of persons based on their religion or belief, as well as programmes and agendas pursued by extremist individuals, organizations and groups aimed at creating and perpetuating negative stereotypes about religious groups, in particular when condoned by Governments; Expresses concern that the number of incidents of religious intolerance, 3. discrimination and related violence, as well as of negative stereotyping of individuals on the basis of religion or belief, continues to rise around the world, which may have serious implications at the national, regional and international levels, condemns, in this context, any advocacy of religious hatred against individuals that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and urges States to take effective measures, as set forth in the present resolution and consistent with their obligations under international human rights law, to address and combat such incidents; Condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to 4. discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audiovisual or electronic media or any other means; __________________ 4 5 Resolution 217 A (III). A/68/546. 3/5