Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief A/RES/77/225 Strongly deploring also all attacks on and in religious places, sites and shrines, which are in violation of international law, in particular human rights law and international humanitarian law, including any deliberate destruction of reli cs and monuments, Deeply concerned about the prevalence of impunity in some instances, and the lack of accountability in some cases, in addressing violence against persons on the basis of religion or belief in public and private spheres, and stressing the importance of making the necessary efforts to raise awareness to address the spread of hate speech against persons on the basis of religion or belief, Concerned about actions that wilfully exploit tensions or target individuals on the basis of their religion or belief, in particular actions that seek to prevent their exercise and full enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief, Expressing deep concern at the instances of intolerance and discrimination and acts of violence occurring in the world, including cases motivated by discrimination against persons belonging to religious minorities, in addition to the negative projection of the followers of religions and the enforcement of measures that specifically discriminate against persons on the basis of religion or belief, Expressing concern at the growing manifestations of intolerance based on religion or belief, which can generate hatred and violence among individuals from and within different nations and which may have serious implications at the national, regional and international levels, and in this regard emphasizing the importance of respect for religious and cultural diversity, as well as interreligious, interfaith and intercultural dialogue aimed at promoting a culture of tolerance and respect among individuals, societies and nations, Recognizing the valuable contribution of people of all religions or beliefs to humanity and the contribution that dialogue among religious groups can make towards an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind, Underlining the fact that States, regional organizations, national human rights institutions, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance and respect for religious and cultural diversity and in the universal promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, Underlining also the importance of raising awareness about different cultures and religions or beliefs and of education in the promotion of tolerance, which i nvolves the acceptance by the public of and its respect for religious and cultural diversity, including with regard to religious expression, and underlining further the fact that education, in particular at school, should contribute in a meaningful way to promoting tolerance and the elimination of discrimination based on religion or belief, Underlining further that educational measures, youth forums, strategic plans and public information and media campaigns, including online platforms, may contribute in a meaningful way to promoting tolerance and the elimination of negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief, Recognizing that working together to enhance the implementation of existing legal regimes that protect individuals against discrimination and hate crimes, increasing interreligious, interfaith and intercultural efforts and expanding human rights education are important first steps in combating incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against individuals on the basis of religion or belief, 22-28991 3/6