A/HRC/28/47 Australia 9. The Department of Social Services works to foster a domestic environment of religious tolerance, peace and respect. It funds grants for Diversity and Social Cohesion projects, which promote local awareness and understanding within and between communities through common dialogues and goals, and supports the National Anti-Racism Strategy of the Australian Human Rights Commission and the National Anti-Racism Partnership. 10. Through the network of Multicultural Community Liaison Officers, the Department of Social Services engages with communities on the ground. Multicultural Community Liaison Officers focus on creating collaborative relationships and community networks and providing information and “messaging”. Officers also work with multicultural communities to identify and help address potential drivers of social conflict and division in diverse areas. This helps to inform strategies that strengthen social cohesion, including the identification of priority needs and locations. 11. Advisory bodies and various government departments convene regular interfaith dialogues and initiatives involving religious and community leaders and interfaith experts. The Government protects and promotes religious rights and freedoms through the criminal and civil legislative framework and by actively engaging with the communities and their leaders. 12. Through the Attorney-General’s Department, Australia engages and works with a wide range of community groups and organizations to build resilience to violent extremism, as well as groups that promote radicalization to violent extremism. 13. A range of materials have been published that provide guidance on assisting vulnerable persons, including youths, to move away from ideologies that promote the use of violence to achieve social change. The guidance emphasizes that everyone has the right to express their beliefs and group interests openly, but that a willingness to use or support the use of violence to achieve political, religious or ideological goals is unlawful (see www.livingsafetogether.gov.au). 14. Strong vilification laws are in place, such as those found in the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, which strike a balance between the right to freedom of expression and freedom from racial discrimination and racial vilification. There are strong domestic criminal laws against urging violence, including between religious and cultural groups. Where there is a basis for suspecting that activities of individuals or groups are of security concern, they are reviewed and investigated by relevant law enforcement and security authorities. Azerbaijan 15. The State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan outlined several measures taken during 2014 in Baku and other regions aimed at anchoring in law the rights and freedoms of all confessions represented in the country. Such measures were taken with a view to combating religious intolerance and violence, eliminating situations causing aggressive and extremist behaviour, minimizing religious fanaticism, and to facilitating the coexistence of the followers of different faiths around common religious/moral values. 16. During 2014, two-day regional conferences were held in the cities of Ismayilli, Guba, Sheki and Barda, at which prominent speakers delivered speeches and discussions were held around key themes. 4