The role and activities of national institutional mechanisms in promoting and protecting minority rights 2012, para. 20
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The Independent Expert highlights the need for increased attention to the rights and security of religious minorities and interfaith dialogue, particularly in countries experiencing tensions and violent attacks against religious minorities. Anti-religious extremism and hate speech encourage discrimination and violence and increase the urgency for human rights mechanisms that address the issues of religious minorities. The Human Rights Council universal periodic review has produced nearly 400 recommendations concerning religious freedom and the rights of religious minorities. Establishing institutional mechanisms to promote interfaith dialogue helps build bridges between faith groups that may have become increasingly polarized and distrustful. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has stated that "it is becoming imperative for Governments to provide due political, social, economic and cultural space to minorities in their societies, including access to decision-making levels".