A/HRC/13/57 interracial and religious confidence circles throughout Singapore with the participation of local religious leaders. 33. National institutions and civil society organizations, such as the Inter-religious Organisation, an interfaith NGO, also contributed to fostering social cohesion and religious harmony. Following the adoption of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore had been created to advise the President on Muslim affairs. Sikh and Hindu advisory boards also existed. 34. The Declaration on Religious Harmony resulted from extensive consultations with all major religious and ethnic organizations. On 21 July every year, Singaporeans were encouraged to reflect on the Declaration and activities on religious harmony were organized at places of worship. It was noted that Singapore actively supported interfaith efforts at the national, regional and global level and a list of recent interfaith dialogues and activities was provided. Switzerland [Original: French] 35. Switzerland reported on article 8 of its Federal Constitution prohibiting all forms of discrimination based on origin, race, language and religion. Article 15 of the Swiss Constitution protects freedom of religion. Article 261 bis of the Criminal Code has placed limitations on freedom of expression for the protection of the dignity and honour of others and declared punishable public incitement to hatred or discrimination towards individuals or groups for reasons of race, ethnicity or religion. 36. Since 2001, the Service against Racism has funded projects against racism, antiSemitism and xenophobia. Since 1995, the Federal Commission against Racism has strived to eradicate racism and hatred through awareness-raising initiatives. Switzerland added that the website of the Federal Commission against Racism included a compilation of jurisprudence related to article 261 bis, containing summaries of all sentences on the basis of that article. 37. Article 28 of the Swiss Civil Code protected individuals from illicit attacks on their personality. The concept of “personality” is construed as the set of values inherent to every human being. This article also protects individuals from defamation. 38. In its contribution, Switzerland rejected the notion of defamation of religions as a contemporary form of racism, noting that human rights ought to protect individuals only and that existing standards sufficiently addressed incitement to hatred. Switzerland further expressed the view that recognizing the concept of defamation of religions as a contemporary form of racism would de facto alter the definition of racism by adding a religious dimension which it did not at present include. Ukraine [Original: Russian] 39. Ukraine reported that, because of its diverse population, increasing understanding among different religious denominations and eliminating prejudice was a priority for its Government. Meetings between State officials and representatives of religious organizations frequently led to humanitarian projects. The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations also played an important role in fostering harmony and tolerance among religious organizations. GE.10-10223 9