A/HRC/RES/18/20 Welcoming the resolve expressed in the United Nations Millennium Declaration, adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 55/2 of 8 September 2000, to take measures to eliminate the increasing acts of racism and xenophobia in many societies and to promote greater harmony and tolerance in all societies, and looking forward to its effective implementation at all levels, Reaffirming the landmark importance of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action in the pursuit of the universal promotion and protection of human rights and its continued relevance in responding to contemporary challenges, Recalling the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, approved by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on 20 October 2005, Recalling also that cultural diversity, flourishing within a framework of democracy, tolerance, social justice and mutual respect between peoples and cultures is indispensible for peace and security at the local, national and international levels, Recognizing the importance of cultural diversity for the full realization of the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other universally recognized instruments, Recognizing also the contribution that diverse cultures have been making to the development and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Bearing in mind that multiculturalism, solidarity, respect and tolerance can play an important role in the promotion and protection of human rights by combating xenophobia, violence and discrimination, Bearing in mind also that the promotion and upholding of tolerance, respect, pluralism and diversity is essential for the promotion and protection of human rights in multicultural contexts and, in particular, for combating racism, xenophobia, intolerance and discrimination, Recalling the primary responsibility of States in the promotion and protection of human rights, Recalling also that, as expressed in the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, no one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon the human rights guaranteed by international law, nor to limit their scope, 1. Emphasizes that the universal promotion and protection of human rights, including cultural rights, and mutual respect for cultural diversity should reinforce each other; 2. Stresses the importance of adopting policies that ensure non-discrimination and equitable access to social, political and economic rights, thus reducing disadvantage and inequality; 3. Decides to convene, within existing resources, at its twentieth session, a panel discussion on the promotion and protection of human rights in a multicultural context, including through combating xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance; 4. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to liaise with relevant special procedures and treaty bodies, States and other stakeholders, including relevant United Nations bodies and agencies, with a view to ensuring their participation in the panel discussion; 2