A/RES/60/11 2. Acknowledges that respect for the diversity of religions and cultures, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation in a climate of mutual trust and understanding can contribute to the combating of ideologies and practices based on discrimination, intolerance and hatred and help to reinforce world peace, social justice and friendship among peoples; Reaffirms the solemn commitment of all States to fulfil their obligations 3. to promote universal respect for, and observance and protection of, all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, other instruments relating to human rights and international law; the universal nature of these rights and freedoms is beyond question; Also reaffirms the importance for all peoples and nations to hold, develop 4. and preserve their cultural heritage and traditions in a national and international atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect; Recognizes that respect for religious and cultural diversity in an 5. increasingly globalizing world contributes to international cooperation, promotes enhanced dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations and helps to create an environment conducive to the exchange of human experience; Also recognizes that, despite intolerance and conflicts that are creating a 6. divide across countries and regions and constitute a growing threat to peaceful relations among nations, all cultures and civilizations share a common set of universal values and can all contribute to the enrichment of humankind; Further recognizes that, while the significance of national and regional 7. particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms; Reaffirms that the promotion and protection of the rights of persons 8. belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities contribute to political and social stability and peace and enrich the cultural diversity and heritage of society as a whole in the States in which such persons live, and urges States to ensure that their political and legal systems reflect the multicultural diversity within their societies and, where necessary, to improve democratic and political institutions, organizations and practices so that they are more fully participatory and avoid the marginalization and exclusion of, and discrimination against, specific sectors of society; Encourages Governments to promote, including through education, as 9. well as the development of progressive curriculums and text books, understanding, tolerance and friendship among human beings in all their diversity of religion, belief, culture and language, which will address the cultural, social, economic, political and religious sources of intolerance, and to apply a gender perspective while doing so, in order to promote understanding, tolerance, peace and friendly relations among nations and all racial and religious groups, recognizing that education at all levels is one of the principal means to build a culture of peace; 10. Calls upon all States to exert their utmost efforts to ensure that religious and cultural sites are fully respected and protected in compliance with their international obligations and in accordance with their national legislation, and to adopt adequate measures aimed at preventing acts or threats of damage to and destruction of these sites; 3