A/HRC/37/44 6. The Russian Federation reported that authorities pay significant attention to the prevention of religious extremism and inter-ethnic conflicts, which can provoke escalation of tensions and mass riots. According to the authorities, during the first half of 2017 the number of extremist crimes decreased by 36 per cent in comparison with the previous year. 7. The High Commissioner recalls that measures taken to combat religious intolerance and violent extremism should reflect the principles of inclusiveness and participation, as well as be fully consistent with States’ obligations under international human rights law. They should take gender into account, and be adapted to the domestic context. Key concepts related to violent extremism should be clearly defined, particularly when they can potentially trigger measures that may impinge on human rights, for example when the terms “extremism” or “radicalization” are used to cover non-violent activity.3 C. Encouraging the creation of collaborative networks to build mutual understanding, promoting dialogue and inspiring constructive action towards shared policy goals and the pursuit of tangible outcomes, such as servicing projects in the fields of education, health, conflict prevention, employment, integration and media education4 8. A Multicultural Community Liaison Officer Network operates across Australia, developing productive and collaborative engagement with diverse communities, including religious groups and key stakeholders, to strengthen linkages to the Government and support a productive and diverse society. The Network supports parliamentarians to engage effectively with people from different cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds. Multicultural Community Liaison Officers may identify and report on potential areas of tension between members of different religious communities. An Ethnic Liaison Officer Network facilitates interaction with ethnic communities and the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection. 9. Cuba reported that at meetings between government leaders and representatives of various religious fraternal institutions and associations (lodges), participants are encouraged to exchange ideas on topics of general interest as well as to address current challenges and expectations. This work is aimed at promoting relations between believers and nonbelievers in a framework of unity, solidarity and mutual respect. 10. Italy reported that a committee on hate, intolerance, xenophobia and racism was set up in May 2016 and renamed in July 2016 the “Jo Cox Committee”, in remembrance of the United Kingdom Member of Parliament who was murdered on 16 June 2016. Chaired by the President, it is comprised of one Member of Parliament for each political group in the Parliament and representatives of the Council of Europe, the United Nations, the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat), research centres and civic associations that investigate and campaign against hate speech, and experts. The Committee approved its final report on 6 July 2017, making 56 recommendations to prevent and combat hatred, addressed to all the relevant entities. 11. In Mauritius, the Comité des sages regularly brings together leaders of the main religions present in Mauritius to discuss prevailing issues of national importance with a view to maintaining harmony among its multireligious population. 12. In Portugal, the mission of the High Commission for Migration 5 is to collaborate on defining, implementing and assessing the public cross-sectoral and sectoral policies concerning migration, particularly managing and valuing the diversity of the country’s cultures and religions. The High Commission established a working group for interreligious 3 4 5 Additional guidance is contained in the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674) and the High Commissioner’s report on best practices and lessons learned on how protecting and promoting human rights contribute to preventing and countering violent extremism (A/HRC/33/29). Paragraph 7 (a) of resolution 34/32. See www.acm.gov.pt/acm. 3