1. Increased discrimination and acts of religious intolerance have become nowdays one the most serious challenges of stability and security of our societies. We are witnessing a rise of various types of extremist and radical movements throughout the world, growth of such groups as neo-Nazis and the so called «skinheads», as well as numerous reported violence cases against persons of different ethnic origin, nationality and confession. The ideology of Nazism, Fascism, Racism and aggressive Nationalism is becoming increasingly widespread among young people whom right-wing radical parties, movements and extremist groups are trying to involve in their activities.

It is equally applied to the policy of a number of European countries in which eyes are persistently closed to the marshes and gatherings of nationalist forces, manifestations of racism during even sports events like football matches. Those who collaborated with Nazis during the Second World War are brought to the level of national heroes and the so called heroes of the national liberation movements.

In this regard, Russia annually initiates at the UN General Assembly a draft resolution on «Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance». An alarming trend of increased discrimination and acts of religious intolerance including Islamophobia and Christianophobia was noted, inter alia, in this document.

Last time such resolution was adopted in December 2016 at the plenary meeting of the previous session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Recently, this document was adopted on 16^th of November this year by the Third Committee of the 72^nd session of the UN General Assembly. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the OIC Member States for really meaningful participation in consultations on this draft resolution. We are particularly grateful to the co-sponsors of draft resolution and those OIC countries that assured us of their continued assistance and we expect support for the Russian draft resolution in the forthcoming voting at the UN General Assembly in December this year.

2. We proceed from the perception of respecting the principle of equal treatment and nondiscrimination of every citizen all over the world. We believe that it is necessary to take into account the variability of cultures, civilizations, traditions and historical development in the promotion of human rights. It should not be forgotten that we are united by common values that originate from religions, customs and traditions, moral and ethical standards. These traditional values such as dignity, freedom and responsibility are ethical foundations of modern society that unite nations, peoples and ethnic groups. These values are enshrined in the key universal international legal documents and instruments with regard to human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In this context, we would like to express our gratitude to the OIC Member States that have become co-sponsors of resolution «The seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and twenty-fifth anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action». We look forward to cooperating with OIC in promoting this important issue within the UN General Assembly and its active participation in the session devoted to both anniversaries.

3. We believe that effectively combating discrimination and intolerance on religious or ethnic grounds can only be achieved through our joint efforts, developing constructive and equal cooperation, sharing the best practices and experience of states.

In this context, we believe it is extremely important to submit the issue of promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue to the agenda of international and regional organizations, including the UN Human Rights Council. It is also necessary to pay special attention to the issues of fostering mutual understanding and respect in the society as well as the exchange of experience of peaceful coexistence of different peoples and religions.

This is a priority for the Russian Federation, where the traditions of good-neighborly coexistence among representatives of different cultures and religions have historically formed. The Russian government is making serious efforts to combat prejudices leading to racial discrimination, at the same time promote mutual understanding, tolerance and friendship among ethnic and religious groups in our country.

Considerable attention is paid to the growing young generation. Issues related to the formation of culture of tolerance among young people and the development of interethnic friendship are included in the programs of numerous All-Russian and inter-regional youth forums and projects.

Russia as nobody else, being one of the most multinational country in the world, recognizes significance and importance of cultural diversity in the promotion and protection of human rights. We are open for frank and constructive dialogue and ready for sharing successful achievements and experience on this crucial issue.