Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination,
incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief
A/RES/73/164
Concerned about actions that wilfully exploit tensions or target individuals on
the basis of their religion or belief, in particular actions that seek to prevent their
exercise and full enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief,
Expressing deep concern at the instances of intolerance and discrimination and
acts of violence occurring in the world, including cases motivated by discrimination
against persons belonging to religious minorities, in addition to the negative
projection of the followers of religions and the enforcement of measures that
specifically discriminate against persons on the basis of religion or belief,
Expressing concern at the growing manifestations of intolerance based on
religion or belief, which can generate hatred and violence among individuals from
and within different nations and which may have serio us implications at the national,
regional and international levels, and in this regard emphasizing the importance of
respect for religious and cultural diversity, as well as interreligious, interfaith and
intercultural dialogue aimed at promoting a culture of tolerance and respect among
individuals, societies and nations,
Recognizing the valuable contribution of people of all religions or beliefs to
humanity and the contribution that dialogue among religious groups can make
towards an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by
all humankind,
Underlining the fact that States, regional organizations, national human rights
institutions, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an
important role to play in promoting tolerance and respect for religious and cultural
diversity and in the universal promotion and protection of human rights, including
freedom of religion or belief,
Underlining also the importance of raising awareness about different cultures
and religions or beliefs and of education in the promotion of tolerance, which 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,
Underlining further that educational measures, youth forums, strategic plans
and public information and media campaigns, including online platforms, may
contribute in a meaningful way to promoting tolerance and the elimination of negative
stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence
against persons, 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,
increasing interreligious, interfaith and intercultural efforts and expanding huma n
rights education are important first steps in combating incidents of intolerance,
discrimination and violence against individuals on the basis of religion or belief,
Recalling its resolution 72/241, entitled “A world against violence and violent
extremism”, adopted by consensus on 20 December 2017, welcoming the leading role
of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in promoting
intercultural dialogue, the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the
work of the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between
Cultures in Alexandria, Egypt, and the work of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz
International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dia logue in Vienna, and
recalling also its resolution 65/5 of 20 October 2010 on World Interfaith Harmony
Week, proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan,
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