A/HRC/21/42 transferred to stigmatized groups in general, since prejudices and ideas of inferiority and superiority are central to the formation of stigma. 68. Eliminating stereotypes requires a combination of measures at different levels that reach a range of stakeholders. Any messages aimed at dismantling stigma should be developed by, or at least in consultation with, the stigmatized. It is specifically incumbent upon States to combat stereotyping in State institutions, including local authorities, by sensitizing and training State officials directly involved in the provision or monitoring of water and sanitation services, as well as law enforcement officials and judges. Judicial decisions, legislation and executive statements have an impact on public attitudes and it is therefore crucial to ensure that they do not perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. 69. Some prejudices develop at an early age and can be inherited from parents and others and must therefore be addressed as early as possible. Schools have an obligation to educate children to act as agents of change, developing tolerant behaviour towards others, encouraging dialogue and interaction and promoting changes that will eventually permeate other spheres.46 Human rights education with a focus on non-discrimination should be part of every school curriculum. Education should be inclusive, accepting students with differences, so that these differences are perceived as ―normal‖ and students develop respect for ―otherness‖. The same holds true for comprehensive sexual education, including on menstruation, in order to provide accurate information and combat silence and stigma, targeting both girls and boys. C. Legislative, policy and institutional measures 70. Legislation can protect people and enable them to claim their rights, but it can also create barriers and perpetuate stigmatization. States must develop and reform laws and policies to ensure non-discrimination and equality. They must enact protective legislation, and ensure that laws are implemented and enforced. The more explicitly legislation addresses specific instances of discrimination, the more it can contribute to combatting the related stigma. Legislative measures need to be accompanied by other measures that can achieve changes in institutions, practices, patterns and customs. 71. Evaluating existing laws and assessing their potential discriminatory and stigmatizing impact in the water and sanitation domains is equally important. The stigmatization of homeless communities, for instance, is often reinforced through legislation that criminalizes certain proxy behaviours. Such laws do nothing to address the root causes of homelessness and must be replaced by policies that aim at guaranteeing adequate housing to marginalized individuals and families. A report by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, based on information gathered at a summit convened by the council and the United States Department of Justice, condemns the criminalization of homelessness and suggests alternatives that are grounded in community engagement and aimed at overcoming barriers to housing by directly working with the homeless. 47 Building on the recognition that criminalization does not provide any real solutions, all levels of government must put into practice effective alternative approaches. 46 47 18 UNICEF, Equity in School (note 16 above), pp. 23-25. See also the Convention on the Rights of the Child, art. 29, para. 1. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, Searching out Solutions: Constructive Alternatives to the Criminalization of Homelessness (2012), pp. 5 and 30-31.