A/HRC/24/22 traditional values could also have a negative impact on the implementation of human rights, especially those concerning violence against women, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and disability. The European Union highlighted that the vagueness of the relationship to human rights and the subjectivity of the notion of traditional values could undermine human rights and their universality and justify human rights violations. It emphasized that where traditional values conflicted with and undermined human rights, States had a positive obligation to eradicate these harmful traditions, values and practices. 4. Belarus stated that the traditions of religious tolerance and the right to freedom of conscience in society, for instance as granted by article 31 of its Constitution, the Law of the Republic of Belarus on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations and the equality of religions before the law through the interfaith dialogue, provided interfaith peace and understanding. The legal framework allowed for cooperation between Church and State. With regard to the ethno-religious dialogue, the State policy had to be in accordance with the Constitution and the Law on national minorities in the Republic of Belarus. All ethnic and cultural associations received financial, legal, organizational and methodological support from the State on an equal basis. 5. Educational training and education were carried out in accordance with the Code of Education, the concept of continuous education of children and youth and education programmes. Education at all levels was based on universal and humanistic values like dignity, freedom and responsibility, as well as cultural and spiritual traditions. The Academy of Postgraduate Education offered systematic training on the promotion of traditional values, respect for human rights and freedoms, protection of rights of the child, and strengthening the role of families, communities and educational institutions in the assertion of traditional values. Programmes to improve the education skills of managers and specialists covered traditional values and human rights. 6. Bosnia and Herzegovina focused on the strengthening of tolerance and efforts to combat discrimination against national minorities, such as Roma, as a means of human rights protection and implementation. In that context, reference was made to a decrease in ethnically motivated criminal acts. Discrimination was prohibited by the Constitution and criminalized under criminal codes. In 2009, the Anti-discrimination Law was adopted in accordance with which all public authorities had to review, amend and enact laws, policies and practices. 7. Brunei Darussalam stated that, taking into account the diverse traditional values of humankind globally, some terminology used in Human Rights Council resolution 21/3 required more specific definitions. It was necessary to place emphasis on the importance of human rights without distinctions of any kind. 8. Guatemala, as a multi-ethnic State where different sociocultural groups such as Maya, Garífuna and Xinca existed, held the view that culture and traditions could not be invoked as a pretext to justify violations of minority rights which were recognized in national and international instruments. In the fight against racism and discrimination, for instance, the Agreement on Identity of Indigenous Peoples (Acuerdo sobre Identidad de los Pueblos Indígenas) and the establishment of the Office of the Advocate for Indigenous Women (Defensoría de la Mujer Indígena) were referred to. The use and development of customs, traditions, languages and traditional clothing were protected and promoted. Local governments and administration elected through universal suffrage and integration policies aimed at children, adolescents and women ensured participation and democratic processes, taking into account, the multi-ethnic and cultural structures in the State. 9. Honduras pointed out that traditional values and customs were the origin of human rights. Traditional values could not justify any practice that was contrary to the dignity of 4