A/HRC/25/34 with regular engagement and interaction with grassroots communities and young people, as well as data gathering and monitoring. 105. Almost all of the States that responded provide for a channel or some form of communication and consultation between religious groups and communities and government authorities. Numerous practical examples were forwarded about communication bodies and/or forums between State institutions and religious groups or communities, with regard to policing and security matters, or as general forums of exchange. 106. Intolerance, stigmatization, negative stereotyping and discrimination, in particular, are addressed through public information and media campaigns and awareness-raising and educational measures. States are also funding local and national projects aimed at capacity-building, social cohesion, interfaith dialogue and the activities of religious groups and communities. 107. Most States reported that generally there was religious freedom and pluralism domestically and that members of religious groups and communities were able to manifest their religion and contribute openly and on an equal footing in society. Such religious freedom is often guaranteed by constitutional regimes and laws, so long as it is in accordance with domestic law. Several responses referred to the domestic legal frameworks providing for the practice of religion and the status, functioning and management of religious communities and associations. 108. A few of the responses expressed views on potential follow-up measures for further improvement of the implementation of the action plan outlined in paragraphs 6 and 7 of the resolution. 109. It was noted that Human Rights Council resolution 22/31 was a step in the process. Views were expressed that, while some work had been undertaken by the international community, through the Istanbul Process and OHCHR, to strengthen the plan, the issue of freedom of religion and belief and incitement to hatred required further collaboration by and attention from the international community, particularly through the adoption of measures to establish a normative standard, including possibly by criminalizing incitement to violence based on religion or belief. Views were also expressed that, as the issues concerning freedom of religion and belief are transboundary, collective and cooperative action by countries and with relevant stakeholders, including OHCHR, is required. 110. Concern was expressed about religiously motivated violence and intolerance and restrictions on religious freedom around the world. The solution lies in action at the national level, particularly to protect the rights of religious groups and minorities, as well as through international cooperation. Credible and comprehensive reporting by all States on all forms of religious intolerance, especially in view of Council resolution 16/18, was noted as very important, and reporting on religious intolerance was considered a State-led process. It was recalled that people, not belief systems, were the subjects of human rights and that in combating intolerance, the High Commissioner for Human Rights should support the implementation of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as freedom of religion and belief. 18

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