A/HRC/4/WG.3/6 page 37 propaganda and all organizations which are based on ideas or theories of superiority of one race or group of persons of one colour or ethnic origin, or which attempt to justify or promote racial hatred and discrimination in any form…”.108 In this way the principle of prevention is highlighted. Recognizing the importance of punishing genocide and crimes against humanity, as well as war crimes in the context of racism and racial discrimination, CERD decided to issue general recommendation No. 18 (1994) on the establishment of an international tribunal to prosecute crimes against humanity. Assessment and recommendations 121. The experts have concluded that no normative substantive gap exists in protection against racism and racial discrimination when these escalate to the level of genocide. 122. However, the experts would like to reiterate the recommendation made in the section of the report which addresses ethnic cleansing, that emphasis be placed on CERD early warning measures and urgent procedures and United Nations early warning mechanisms, including interaction between the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and other concerned United Nations agencies. While re-emphasizing the need for the ratification of human rights and other relevant international treaties, the experts would also like to stress the importance of a prompt universal ratification of the Rome Statute in this context. D. Religious intolerance and defamation of religious symbols 123. The experts acknowledge that religious intolerance often constitutes an essential part of contemporary manifestations of racism. The numerous assaults on religious symbols and attacks on places of worship are particularly severe and dangerous expressions of racism. Moreover, defamation of religious symbols can lead to incitement to religious intolerance. 124. The subject discussed here has already been largely addressed in other parts of this report, namely Chapter II, section A and chapter III, sections A and F. The analysis and recommendations contained therein are mutatis mutandis applicable to religious intolerance. Therefore, the experts will limit their views in this chapter to some specific additional comments. 125. In recent times, an alarming increase in violence and discrimination based on religion or belief can be observed. As a contemporary phenomenon, discrimination based on various grounds, such as race, colour, and descent, national or ethnic origin, is frequently aggravated by the closely related ground of religion or belief. The DDPA notes with particular concern the existence in various parts of the world of religious intolerance against religious communities and their members.109 In this regard, the DDPA urges States to adopt legislative and other measures 108 109 Article 4. Para. 60 of the Declaration. See also references to religion in paras. 2, 8, 34, 59, 60, 66, 67, 71, 73, 108 of the Declaration; and paras. 14, 46, 47, 49, 79, 124, 136, 171, 172, 211 of the Programme of Action.