A/HRC/10/29 Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other relevant human rights provisions, Recalling further its resolution 6/37 of 14 December 2007 and the resolutions on the elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief adopted by the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights, Noting with interest the recent adoption of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the General Assembly, Reaffirming that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, Firmly believing that further intensified and strong efforts are required to promote and protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief and to eliminate all forms of hatred, intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief, as also noted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Noting that a formal or legal distinction at the national level between different kinds of faith-based communities may constitute discrimination and may impinge on the enjoyment of the freedom of religion or belief, Recognizing that persons belonging to religious minorities are often particularly vulnerable to discrimination based on religion or belief with regard to the enjoyment of all their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including their economic, social and cultural rights, Seriously concerned at all attacks on religious places, sites and shrines, including any deliberate destruction of relics and monuments, particularly when in violation of international law, in particular human rights and humanitarian law, Recognizing the importance of enhanced inter-religious and intra-religious dialogue in promoting tolerance in matters relating to religion or belief, and welcoming different initiatives in this regard, including the Alliance of Civilizations and the programmes led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Emphasizing that States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity and in the universal promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, 1. Condemns all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief, as well as violations of the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief; 2. Stresses that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion applies equally to all people, regardless of their religion or beliefs, and without any discrimination as to their equal protection by the law; 3. Welcomes the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief (A/HRC/10/8) addressing discrimination based on religion or belief and its impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, and encourages States to consider implementing the recommendations contained therein; 4. Emphasizes that discrimination based on religion or belief often has an adverse impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, particularly with regard to persons belonging to religious minorities and other persons in vulnerable situations; 62 GE.09-17451