A/HRC/RES/22/31
responsibilities, in accordance with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights,
Expressing deep concern at those acts that advocate religious hatred and thereby
undermine the spirit of tolerance,
Reaffirming that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, cannot and should not
be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,
Reaffirming also that violence can never be an acceptable response to acts of
intolerance on the basis of religion or belief,
Reaffirming further the positive role that the exercise of the right to freedom of
opinion and expression and the full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart
information can play in strengthening democracy and combating religious intolerance,
Reaffirming the positive role of human rights education and training in promoting
tolerance, non-discrimination and equality,
Deeply concerned about incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence
against persons based on their religion or belief in all regions of the world,
belief,
Deploring any advocacy of discrimination or violence on the basis of religion or
Strongly deploring all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion
or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their homes, businesses, properties,
schools, cultural centres or places of worship,
Concerned about actions that wilfully exploit tensions or target individuals on the
basis of their religion or belief,
Noting with deep concern the instances of intolerance, discrimination and acts of
violence in many parts of 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 manifestation of intolerance based on religion or
belief that can generate hatred and violence among individuals from and within different
nations that 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 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,
Recognizing also that working together to enhance the implementation of existing
legal regimes that protect individuals against discrimination and hate crimes, increase
interfaith and intercultural efforts and expand human rights education are an important first
step in combating incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against individuals
on the basis of religion or belief,
Welcoming in this regard all international, regional and national initiatives aimed at
promoting interreligious, intercultural and interfaith harmony and combating discrimination
against individuals on the basis of religion or belief, including the launching of the Istanbul
Process, and taking note of the recent initiative of the chairmanship of Albania of the
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe under the theme “United in Diversity”
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