A/HRC/4/50 page 7 B. Special procedures of the Human Rights Council 36. The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance addressed the issue of defamation of religions in a report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/2/3). The special rapporteurs pointed out that firm political will on behalf of the Member States is vital in combating the rise of racial and religious intolerance. Furthermore, it is essential that Governments promote and practice dialogue between cultures, civilizations and religions. 37. OHCHR supported the participation of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in the following meetings where tolerance and respect for religious diversity were central issues: (a) the Wilton Park conference “Challenging Stereotypes in Europe and the Islamic World: Working Together for Constructive Policies and Partnerships”, held in Steyning, United Kingdom, on 2 and 3 May 2006; (b) the “International Conference Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the 1981 United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief”, held in Prague on 25 November 2006. 38. The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance has submitted a report to the current session of the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/4/19) in which he addresses the issue of defamation of religions. 39. OHCHR supported the participation of the Special Rapporteur in the following meetings where the issue of defamation of religion was discussed: (a) “The Rise in Islamophobia: The New European Challenge in the Fight against Racism and Discriminations”, held in Paris on 18 January 2007; (b) “World Civilization or the Clash of Civilizations”, held in London on 20 January 2007. IV. CONCLUSION 40. Member States, the United Nations system and the wider international community, including non-governmental organizations, are continuing to take steps to counter religious intolerance. Nevertheless, intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of religion and belief continue to be a problem. Continuous reports of allegations of incidents involving intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief indicate that much more needs to be done. Uniform, consistent application of the law, based on human rights, is essential but not enough. The political will of Member States is paramount to counter this phenomenon effectively. -----