A/HRC/FMI/2013/2 beings on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations”. IV. Issues for consideration 8. The situation of religious minorities has been addressed mostly from a freedom of religion or belief perspective. The Forum will aim to broaden and complement the discussion in this field by addressing issues related to the full range of minority rights and security of religious minorities beyond their right to freedom of religion or belief. 9. The Forum discussions will be based around four key pillars of minority rights, as identified by the Independent Expert on minority issues: protection of existence and prevention of violence against minorities; promotion and protection of minority identity; equality and non-discrimination; and the right to effective participation in all areas of public, economic and social life. The Forum will also look at the role of key actors and activities in promoting interfaith dialogue, consultation and exchange. 10. The Forum will identify positive practices, including with regard to legislation and policy, that exist and serve to ensure that those belonging to religious minorities enjoy their right to freedom of religion or belief in conditions of equality and non-discrimination. The rights to equality and non-discrimination must also extend to all spheres of life for persons belonging to religious minorities, and might require affirmative action measures to address long-standing or persistent inequalities. Aspects of human rights education and training relevant to the rights of religious minorities, including for public officials, will be considered by the Forum. The role of different national institutions, including Government ministries and departments, national human rights institutions, civil society, law enforcement bodies, the judiciary and others, in promoting, enforcing and monitoring nondiscrimination policies will also be considered. The important role of the media and media monitoring bodies will likewise be addressed. 11. Throughout the session, the Forum will consider potential or existing barriers to the effective participation of religious minorities in all spheres of life, and will seek to identify positive practices and solutions that have proved effective in ensuring that religious minorities can participate equally and effectively in public life, in key public institutions such as the police, the judiciary and the civil service, and in decision-making bodies at all levels. The issues and challenges specifically affecting women and girls will be considered, bearing in mind that ensuring the effective participation of women who belong to religious minorities is often particularly problematic. The Forum will seek to identify practical action taken by public and political institutions and also consider the ways in which minorities can engage in all aspects of the public and political life of their societies. A. Protection of the existence of and prevention of violence against religious minorities 12. The Forum will identify steps taken by States and other actors to prevent tensions and any acts of violence against persons belonging to religious minorities or their places of worship, associations and offices. It will consider practical measures, policies and practices that States can adopt to respond more effectively to problems faced by religious minorities, including violence against them. Further, the Forum will identify effective measures to eradicate incitement to religious hatred, including national laws, constructive dialogue, education and training, and the establishment of effective media monitoring bodies. While one emphasis of this session of the Forum is on prevention, the situation of religious minorities in conflict and post-conflict situations will also be addressed. 3