A/HRC/7/19 page 18 xenophobia, and to promote the link between efforts to combat racism and the construction, over the long term, of an egalitarian, democratic and interactive multiculturalism. 64. In other words, in order to combat racism in a thorough and lasting manner, the cultural equation that every multicultural society is called upon to solve is that of promoting the link between recognition, protection and respect for specific ethnic, religious and cultural characteristics and the promotion and recognition of universal common values resulting from the interaction and cross-fertilization of these characteristics. With the aim of achieving democratic, egalitarian and interactive multiculturalism, universality must be a shared value, and the ultimate expression of the interaction and cross-fertilization of the specific identities of the different components of a multicultural society and the result of the dynamics of their coexistence. Identity-related tension, inherent in cultural diversity, thus becomes the driving force behind a national unity that integrates and preserves the diversity and vitality of its components. Universality must therefore be rethought in the dynamics of a multicultural society. E. Discrimination against refugees, immigrants and asylum-seekers 65. One of the most common manifestations of the rejection of diversity as a basis for racism and discrimination is found in the treatment of issues relating to refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants. These groups constantly find themselves in a situation of extreme vulnerability, which has worsened since the events of 11 September 2001. As a result of the overriding focus on combating terrorism, the treatment of immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers is characterized by suspicion that they may be dangerous, mistrust, and cultural and religious hostility. Such sentiments have resulted in the widespread adoption of policies that tend to restrict the economic and social rights of people in these categories and highlight the decline in respect for human rights resulting from the political primacy of security over the law. 66. The treatment meted out in many countries to asylum-seekers, refugees and immigrants in waiting areas, particularly airports, ports and stations, continues to be a recurrent source of concern. In this context, human rights organizations condemn the transformation of these waiting areas into “no-rights zones” characterized by a lack of access - or difficult access - to redress and defence, by physical and verbal violence of a racist nature on the part of law enforcement officers, by the absence or lack of minimum conditions of hygiene, and by the absence or inadequacy of measures to protect women and children. The growing number and seriousness of violent incidents caused by such conditions, and also the conditions in which persons in such places are expelled or returned, justify the need to pay special attention to this resurgent form of discrimination and racism. 67. With regard to manifestations of discrimination against refugees, the Special Rapporteur wishes to refer to the Conclusion on Local Integration, No. 104 (LVI) - 2005, adopted by the Executive Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This conclusion emphasizes that integration is a dynamic and complex two-way process, which requires efforts by all parties concerned, including a preparedness on the part of refugees to adapt to the host society without having to forego their own cultural identity, and a corresponding readiness on the part of host communities and public institutions to welcome refugees and to meet the needs of a diverse population. Emphasizing the importance of the values of diversity, non-discrimination and tolerance of this process, it encourages, inter alia, the