Fundamental Rights Platform and an interactive web-forum to facilitate the exchange of information between the agency and civil society. Although legislation prohibiting discrimination against persons belonging to minorities is an absolute prerequisite, on its own it cannot achieve the goal of creating a society which is free from discrimination. Deep-rooted exclusion and marginalization often faced by persons because of their personal characteristics or because of their belonging to minorities may impede them from fully participating and contributing at all levels of society, which is why the EU seeks to improve knowledge about discrimination and to raise awareness among the population both of their rights and also of the benefits of diversity. By way of example, the EU supports an information campaign ‘For diversity. Against discrimination’ across Europe to make more persons aware of their rights and responsibilities, featuring public events, awards for journalists and competitions for young people. Protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities is also integrated into the EU's external action through the EU Human Rights Action plan 2015-2019, which contributes to cultivating an environment of non-discrimination inter alia through supporting the UN, regional organizations, partner countries', and civil society's efforts aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Activities of civil society working on the protection of rights of persons belonging to minorities are also financially supported by the European Instrument for Human Rights and Democracy. The EU also fully recognizes the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities as a key reference text on this issue at the global level. We believe that the Declaration will be further developed by interpretation, practice and jurisprudence of domestic and international bodies. In order to strengthen the overall impact we join forces with the United Nations and other international and multilateral organizations such as the OSCE and Council of Europe. Mr. President,