A/HRC/28/27 adoption of an Equal Opportunities Act, and the project for an Equal Opportunities Commission prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of colour, sex, ethnic origin or race. VII. Conclusions 59. Discrimination against minorities, and their exclusion and marginalization, undermine human rights and threaten the peace and stability of communities, countries, and eventually regions. Currently, we are witnessing increased violence against ethnic and religious groups in a number of countries. In that context, women and girls are being particularly targeted. We have to redouble our efforts to strengthen protection and end persistent discrimination and impunity, particularly in those countries where violence against minorities is resurging. 60. While the primary legal obligation to protect minorities remains with States, advancing human rights requires efforts that are concerted. OHCHR has continued to advance minority rights via concrete action at its headquarters and in the field, in cooperation with States, minorities and other partners. 61. The work carried out by independent special procedures mandate holders, including the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, in combination with the universal periodic review and the work of the treaty bodies, has continued to play an important role in protecting minority rights, raising key thematic and country-specific concerns and making recommendations that contribute to the full implementation of the 1992 Declaration on Minorities. 62. Constant strengthening of cooperation between international, regional and national actors is also crucial. Guidance and resource tools that provide hands-on suggestions to the United Nations, to States and to other stakeholders for addressing gaps in protection can facilitate such efforts. The “Guidance note of the SecretaryGeneral on racial discrimination and protection of minorities” is such a tool. It offers an important point of reference in strengthening advocacy to prevent and counter minority rights violations, and the United Nations network on racial discrimination and protection of minorities is supporting the implementation of the guidance note through a range of concrete initiatives in line with a new action plan. 14