A/65/207 discrimination. 51 They stated that ethnic, cultural or religious differences should be acknowledged, valued and respected, not be seen as a threat to unity, as they too often were, but as a celebrated component of it. The mandate holders emphasized that societies which rejected discrimination and embraced diversity and rights, created the conditions for all to grow and prosper in equality and dignity. Discrimination distorted that vision and damaged all societies in immeasurable ways. For those harassed, threatened or arrested because they had a different religion or belief, it was a constant reminder that they were not welcome. Discrimination silenced those who most needed a voice to speak out for their rights and denied those who most needed a place in the structures of society, including in decision-making processes. 63. In their joint statement of 8 March 2010, 28 mandate holders called for a new vision of women’s rights, informed by the lessons learned from the 15-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. 52 The mandate holders emphasized that old challenges in the protection of women’s rights remained, such as multiple forms of discrimination, and that new challenges had emerged. They concluded that the participation of women in all contexts, be it in peacetime or in conflict or post-conflict situations, or in other types of crisis, such as natural disasters or financial crises, was a requisite element not only for the protection of their rights, but also to achieve peace, security and sustainable human development. 64. To mark World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, seven mandate holders stressed in their joint statement of 21 May 2010 that defending diversity went hand in hand with respect for the dignity of the individual. 53 Cultural diversity could be protected and promoted only if human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of expression, information and communication, freedom from discrimination of any kind, as well as the ability of individuals to choose their form of cultural expression, and their right to participate or not to participate in the cultural life of given communities, were guaranteed. The mandate holders emphasized that cultural diversity should not be used to support segregation and harmful traditional practices which, in the name of culture, sought to sanctify differences that run counter to the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights. IV. Conclusions and recommendations 65. The Special Rapporteur recognizes that religious issues are particularly sensitive. States play a very delicate role in promoting freedom of religion or belief and at the same time protecting people from abuses that are perpetrated against them in the name of religion or belief. In that regard, it is rewarding to see that States, civil society and individuals have taken up difficult challenges in trying to confront the forces of intolerance. Regrettably, those courageous voices are few and far between. Instead, there seems to be a trend towards an apologetic approach where religion or belief is used as an instrument of oppression. __________________ 51 52 53 20 www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=9668&LangID=E. www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=98778&LangID=E. www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=100518&LangID=E. 10-47047