A/67/293 a positive initiative designed to create dialogue and help avert the tensions between faith groups that, once having emerged, can lead to violence. Jewish, Christian, Buddhist and Muslim leaders meet regularly with city authorities to share views and maintain positive relations among communities. Founded in 1989 in response to growing urban violence, it promotes inter-community understanding through activities, including interfaith symposiums. 31. Governments can be important sources of support and funding for non-governmental organizations. Even where Governments establish institutional attention to minority issues, they may consider providing institutionalized support to non-governmental organizations and community groups working with and on behalf of minorities, including in the context of specific services and projects. They should also assist in the establishment of, and provide support to, minority media that provide an essential service and information delivery mechanisms for minorities. However, service provision by non-governmental organizations should not be considered a viable substitute for dedicated Government attention to minority issues and Government-led provision of essential services and allocation of financial resources necessary to improve the living conditions and protect the rights of minorities. D. The role of institutions in fulfilling international commitments 32. Expert national institutions can assist Governments in fulfilling international commitments, including reporting to United Nations treaty bodies, such as the Human Rights Committee, on minority rights under article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. States receive minority-related recommendations based on their consideration by treaty bodies, the universal periodic review, special procedures mandate holders and regional monitoring bodies. 10 Specialist institutions can lead efforts to implement recommendations nationally. They also provide a valuable focal point through which guidance, tools and technical cooperation initiatives relating to minority rights may be channelled to the national level. Independent national human rights institutions frequently provide critical analysis of government policy and practice and make recommendations based on their minority rights expertise, including to the United Nations system and regional bodies. 33. Institutional attention to minority issues can be key to achieving anti-racism objectives and in designing and implementing national strategies that ensure consultation with and participation of minorities from planning to evaluation. The 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance urged Governments to develop national action plans against racism and create “conditions for all to participate effectively in decision-making and realize civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights in all spheres of life on the basis of non-discrimination” (para. 99 of the Durban Programme of Action). Action plans provide motivation for activities across institutions and are an important engine for mobilizing attention to equality and minority rights. Their __________________ 10 12 Research conducted by the Independent Expert revealed some 833 recommendations to all States relevant to minority issues following the first round of State consideration under the universal periodic reviews. 12-45950