A/HRC/RES/19/8 Expressing solidarity with States and individuals combating violence against persons belonging to religious minorities, and paying tribute to the commitment of States to prevent these acts, Underlining that educational institutions may offer unique possibilities for constructive dialogue among all parts of society, and that human rights education in particular can contribute to the elimination of negative stereotypes that often adversely affect members of religious minorities, 1. Stresses that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, which includes the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice, and the freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest one’s religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance, including the right to change one’s religion or belief; 2. Emphasizes that freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing, and stresses the role that these rights can play in the fight against all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief; 3. Also emphasizes the importance of the promotion of religious tolerance and respect for diversity in view of creating an environment conducive to the full enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief; 4. Expresses deep concern at emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief as well as instances of religious intolerance, discrimination and violence, inter alia: (a) The increasing number of acts of violence directed against individuals and or persons belonging to religious minorities in various parts of the world; (b) The rise of religious extremism in various parts of the world that affects the rights of individuals and persons belonging to religious minorities; (c) Incidents of religious hatred, discrimination, intolerance and violence, which may be manifested by derogatory stereotyping, negative profiling and the stigmatization of persons on the basis of their religion or belief; (d) Attacks on religious places, sites and shrines, as well as vandalism of cemeteries, in violation of international law, in particular human rights and humanitarian law; 5. Condemns all forms of violence, intolerance and discrimination based on or in the name of religion or belief, and violations of the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, as well as any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audio-visual or electronic media or any other means; 6. Also condemns violence and acts of terrorism, which are increasing in number, targeting persons belonging to religious minorities across the world; 7. Emphasizes that no religion should be equated with terrorism, as this may have adverse consequences on the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief of all members of the religious community concerned; 8. Also emphasizes that States should exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence against persons belonging to religious minorities, regardless of the perpetrator, and that failure to do so may constitute a human rights violation; 2