that most legislative and administrative powers were given to the autonomous region, and important measures included language equality, reserved positions, public service employment proportionality, and guarantees for equal representation for peaceful coexistence. Discussion Participants raised issues and presented initiatives, such as: - The proliferation of hate speech, xenophobic rhetoric and incitement to hatred towards minorities, as well as a rise of extremist movements and political parties with neo-Nazi and extreme right-wing ideologies, jeopardize the achievements made in protecting the human rights of minorities and vulnerable groups. - Economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development are crucial to the prevention of ethnic conflicts. Language is important for national or ethnic minorities, and imposing a dominant language, either through teaching in public schools or through formal prohibitions on the use of minority languages, can be a trigger for conflict. - Provinces inhabited by ethnic minorities are often marginalized and lack economic investment, and minorities are too often perceived as a threat to national security. The full realization of the human rights of persons belonging to minorities in accordance with international law and standards results in a greater sense of social cohesion and solidarity and is key for effective prevention of conflicts and ensuring of long-term stability. - Efforts should be made to oppose policies of assimilation of ethnic minorities and to demand the development of inclusive multinational and multicultural policies. - States must intensify their commitment to “leave no one behind”, including by addressing multiple, aggravated and intersecting forms of discrimination and eradicating any incitement to hatred against persons belonging to minorities. States should ensure the full inclusion of minorities, meaningful and effective participation in conflict prevention and conflict analysis as well as their representation at all levels of decisionmaking. - The inclusion in national Constitutions of provisions providing the right to equality, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights and protection for linguistic minorities, as well as the enactment of specific legislation for the welfare of minority communities, was raised as a good practice. - The adoption of a national law against hate, for peaceful coexistence and tolerance was raised as a good practice, to create the necessary conditions to promote and guarantee the recognition of diversity, tolerance and reciprocal respect. 11