A/68/268 (e) Fundamental to the protection and promotion of the rights of religious minorities are meaningful consultation with, and the effective participation of, religious minorities in decisions that affect them. Positive measures to ensure consultation and participation at all levels of society are required. The inclusion of religious minorities in consultative and decisionmaking bodies helps to ensure that their views, issues and concerns are taken into account. Where religious minorities form the majority in a particular region or locality, cultural and/or political autonomy arrangements may be considered appropriate, with due consideration given to ensuring the rights of those who may form a minority in those localities; (f) The security situation of religious minorities in some States is cause for serious concern and requires the urgent attention of national Governments, regional intergovernmental human rights bodies and the United Nations. Acts of violence and widespread and systematic violations of human rights — sometimes by the State itself — threaten the very existence of religious minorities in some States or territories. States have the responsibility to protect human rights and security for all and to create conditions of peace and stability. They must act appropriately and rapidly to protect the rights and security of religious minorities under threat and prosecute anyone who commits, supports or incites violence against them; (g) In multi-faith societies, efforts to build a climate of trust, understanding, acceptance and interfaith cooperation and exchange benefit the whole of society and are essential elements of good governance and measures to prevent grievances, tensions and conflict. The active engagement and leadership of religious, community and political actors is essential to such efforts and should be encouraged and supported, including through the establishment of formal and informal mechanisms for dialogue, exchanges of views and consideration of interfaith and intercommunity initiatives. 13-41869 23/23