Expresses deep concern at the negative stereotyping of religions and manifestations of intolerance and discrimination in matters of religion or belief still evident in the world; strongly deplores all acts of psychological and physical violence and assaults against persons on the basis of their religion or belief; expresses deep concern at the programmes and agendas pursued by extremist organizations and groups aimed at creating and perpetuating stereotypes about certain religions, in particular when condoned by Governments; expresses deep concern, in this respect, that Islam is frequently and wrongly associated with human rights violations and terrorism; deplores the use of the print, audio-visual and electronic media, including the Internet, and any other means to incite acts of violence, xenophobia or related intolerance and discrimination against any religion, as well as targeting of religious symbols; strongly condemns all manifestations and acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and migrants; urges all States to provide adequate protection against acts of hatred, discrimination, intimidation and coercion resulting from defamation of religions, and incitement to religious hatred in general; also urges all States to take all possible measures to promote tolerance and respect for all religions and beliefs; calls upon all States to exert the utmost efforts to ensure that religious places, sites, shrines and symbols are fully respected and protected; calls upon the international community to foster a global dialogue to promote a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels; affirms that the Human Rights Council shall promote universal respect for all religious and cultural values and address instances of intolerance.

Adopted 80-61-42, 65th plenary meeting

7 p.

Issued in GAOR, 64th sess., Suppl. no. 49.