individuals from other vulnerable groups in the name of religion or belief or due to cultural and traditional practices, and the abuse of religion or belief for ends inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations and other relevant instruments of the United Nations, Noting that a formal or legal distinction at the national level between different kinds of religions or faith-based communities may, in some cases, constitute discrimination and may impinge on the enjoyment of the freedom of religion or belief, Emphasizing that States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance, respect and freedom of religion or belief, Recognizing the importance of interreligious and intra-religious dialogue and the role of religious and other non-governmental organizations in promoting tolerance in matters relating to religion or belief, and welcoming different initiatives in this regard, including the Alliance of Civilizations, the programmes led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the High-level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, held at Headquarters on 4 and 5 October 2007, Seriously concerned at the slow progress in the implementation of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, Believing that further intensified efforts are therefore required to promote and protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief and to eliminate all forms of hatred, intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief, as also noted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Having conducted an assessment of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in the form of an interactive dialogue during its present session, in accordance with its resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007,