A/HRC/4/WG.3/6 page 39 of religion and belief, and that they are trained and educated accordingly.117 With regard to implementation measures, States were urged “to ensure that religious places, sites and shrines are fully respected and protected and to take additional measures in cases where they are vulnerable to desecration or destruction.”118 In its resolution 55/254, the General Assembly highlighted the fact that religious sites “represent an important aspect of the collective heritage of humankind.” 129. The Commission specified “that in the context of the fight against terrorism and the reaction to counter-terrorism measures, defamation of religions becomes an aggravating factor that contributes to the denial of fundamental rights and freedoms of target groups, as well as their economic and social exclusion.”119 In its resolution 61/61, the General Assembly also stated that equating any religion with terrorism must be avoided, as this may have adverse consequences on the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief of all members of religious communities concerned. Finally, the General Assembly stated that dialogue and education are the means to cultivate greater respect, tolerance, and understanding with regards to religion or belief.120 Assessment and recommendations 130. The experts are of the view that there is an increase in religious intolerance, and incitement to religious hatred. Equally well-founded is the observation that religious intolerance and violations of the right to freedom of religion have increased substantially in the aftermath of 11 September 2001. These developments give rise to serious concerns, which need to be addressed in a thoughtful and effective way. From the perspective of their mandate, however, the experts are of the opinion that religious intolerance combined with racial and xenophobic prejudices is adequately covered under international human rights instruments. Yet, it is in light of the concerns of the international community regarding the rise in religious intolerance that CERD may wish to consider adopting a recommendation stating explicitly the advantages of multicultural education in combating religious intolerance. E. Racial discrimination in the private sphere 131. Manifestations of racism and racial discrimination within the private sphere, such as in the relationships between individuals/groups and non-State subjects, constitute a cause for concern. It has been widely recognized that on the one hand it is the obligation of the State under human rights law to effectively address racism and racial discrimination and protect individuals against their impact in the private sphere (horizontal effect); on the other hand, non-State actors bear the responsibility not only to refrain from racist conduct but also to ensure respect for the principles of equality and non-discrimination within their own realms of activity. 117 Resolutions 1994/18, 1998/18, 2001/42, 2002/40, 2003/54 and 2003/4. 118 Resolutions 2002/40 and 2003/54. 119 Resolution 2005/3. 120 General Assembly resolutions 57/208, 58/184, 59/199, 60/166 and 61/161.