Ñ Aggressive nationalism, racism, chauvinism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism 61. As early as 1990, the OSCE participating States reaffirmed — as being among universally recognized human rights — that respect for the rights of persons belonging to national minorities was an essential factor for peace, justice, stability, and democracy in the participating States.39 Since then, there has been a growing international recognition of the legitimacy and importance of minority rights, and of their natural place as a part of basic human rights, reflected by the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities and the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, as well as by the practices of individual States. 62. Inter-ethnic tension and tension between majority and minority populations, however, still remain a challenge that, if not addressed properly, constitutes a threat to security. In recent decades, societies have grown increasingly diverse in terms of ethnicity, culture, religion, and language. The challenge of managing diversity no longer rests only with the States on whose territory national minorities have historically resided. Globalization and increasing migration mean that all participating States must find ways to build societies that take into account the rights and responsibilities of all persons living within their jurisdiction and that are characterized by tolerance, mutual respect, and equal opportunities with the ultimate aim of preserving and promoting societal harmony. 63. Violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, and manifestations of hate and intolerance threaten not only the security of individuals but also stability and security in the OSCE region. While OSCE States have undertaken numerous commitments in this regard, including four separate Ministerial Council Decisions since 2003, much work remains to be done to foster pluralistic and inclusive societies where ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity is valued and appreciated. Significant progress has been made by several States through efforts to strengthen legislation, increase co-operation with civil society actors, and intensify educational programmes to promote mutual respect and understanding. 64. The concern expressed in the Lisbon agenda with regard to aggressive nationalism and other forms of intolerance and their threat to stability remains valid. Violent manifestations of hatred and violations of religious freedom have increased in a number of countries in recent years; this, in turn, raises the need for intensified efforts to fight intolerance and discrimination. The ODIHR has recently reported on several trends related to the nature and scope of acts of hatred and intolerance.40 65. Numerous anti-Semitic incidents were documented, involving violence targeting Jewish sites, symbols, and persons, as well as acts of verbal abuse prompted by increasing resentment and hostility towards Jews, often in connection with developments in international politics. In many cases, different types of resentment overlap, as does the perception of certain groups as both religious and national. 39  Cf. the 1990 Copenhagen Document, para. 30. 40  Cf. the ODIHR report on Challenges and Responses to Hate-Motivated Incidents in the OSCE Region (for the period JanuaryJune 2006), 12 October 2006, available at www.osce.org/odihr. 22 Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation