The Anti-Discrimination Convention emphasizes that equality, nondiscrimination and separation between State laws and religious norms are fundamental for the peaceful coexistence in pluralistic and democratic societies, and that societies must respect the identity of every person, while create the conditions that will enable its expression, preservation and development. By this binding instrument, the States Parties agree that every human being has equality rights, namely, equality under the law, equal protection and equality in recognition, enjoyment, exercise, and protection of all human rights, at individual and collective levels. They have also proposed to engage in the prevention, elimination, prohibition and punishment of all acts and manifestations of discrimination and intolerance, as well as to adopt policies, legislation and measures to ensure those rights. Due to disagreements related to some of its clauses, only Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and Uruguay signed the Anti-Discrimination Convention, and, to date, no ratification or accession instruments have been deposited with the General Secretariat. Ladies and Gentlemen, The core of democracy is civil and political rights, which must be further promoted and safeguarded. International organizations and national governments, as well as NGO’s and individuals must engage in protecting religious freedom and all the other human rights of minorities against acts of intolerance practiced in the name of a religious truth, to defend the national identity, or based on any other illegitimate motives. I wish to conclude by highlighting that the UN Declaration combined with the Anti-Discrimination Convention constitute firstly, instruments of counter-majoritarian protection that should inspire and contribute to the development of other regional and national instruments. Secondly, they are transformative instruments, not only of majoritarian groups, but also of minorities, since every person is entitled to, as well as constrained by universal human rights. Thank you!