A/HRC/43/28 analysing hate speech, including targeting minorities, engaging in advocacy with the Government to counter hate speech and supporting victims of hate speech. 45. In the Republic of Moldova, OHCHR supported civil society in the drafting and launching of a monitoring report on hate speech in the electoral context. The report concluded that discriminatory discourses against minorities were increasingly present during pre-election periods. 46. In September, 26 special procedure mandate holders expressed concerns about the global increase in hate speech and incitement to discrimination, highlighting the need for accountability and due diligence. In their open letter, they also underscored that hate speech dehumanized minority groups and other targeted people, exacerbated societal and racial tensions, and incited attacks with deadly consequences.38 D. Religious minorities 47. The High Commissioner noted with alarm a dangerous rise in intolerance, racism and religious hatred. She emphasized that interreligious dialogue was an important tool to unlock action and move towards creating change on the ground, based on concrete projects that gave priority to education and capacity-building of faith actors within a shared vision and framework across different religious communities.39 In April, the High Commissioner urged the Government of Brunei to halt the entry into force of the revised Penal Code, the provisions of which could encourage violence and discrimination against, among others, religious minorities in the country.40 In May, the High Commissioner condemned the rise in antisemitic incidents taking place in a number of European countries and the United States of America. The rise in attacks targeting Jews, along with other groups targeted because of their race or religion, was a matter of grave concern, and she urged all Governments to redouble their efforts to combat racism and related intolerance in all its forms.41 48. At the end of her visit to Canada in June, the High Commissioner expressed concern at the adoption of an act respecting the laicity of the State in the province of Quebec, banning religious symbols for all provincial public servants, such as police officers, judges, teachers and senior officials. She echoed the concerns for the rights of minorities of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Mayor of Montreal.42 49. The role and responsibilities of religious leaders and faith-based actors in promoting human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, are highlighted in the Beirut Declaration and its 18 Commitments on Faith for Rights.43 The Faith for Rights framework continues to be quoted and used by faith-based actors and civil society organizations. For example, the Group of 20 Interfaith Forums in Argentina and Japan recommended reducing incitement to hatred by supporting religious leaders and faith-based actors in fulfilling their human rights responsibilities as summarized in the Beirut Declaration and its 18 Commitments. Also referring to the Beirut Declaration, the Global Partners Forum on Faith Action for Children on the Move called, in its action plan, for the design and implementation of projects and initiatives aimed at promoting respect for and an understanding of minority groups, including those with different beliefs, faiths and religions, to reduce violence and xenophobic narratives and nurture peaceful societies. 50. At the regional level, OHCHR focused on the protection of religious minorities by organizing an activity in Tunis in October on enhancing civic space and addressing hate speech in social media in the Middle East and North Africa. OHCHR is also undertaking a comprehensive study of the standards and practices across the Middle East and North 38 39 40 41 42 43 See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25036&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24670&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24432&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24652&LangID=E; see also www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25130&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24714&LangID=E. A/HRC/40/58, annexes I and II. 9