Brussels, 15/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - “Tolerant societies are those that uphold the human rights of individuals on the basis of respect for each person's distinct identity”, stated Ahmet Davutoðlu, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, on 16 November, the International Day for Tolerance. He explained: “The challenges are many. Discrimination is still rife in Europe, whether based on colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, language, citizenship or other grounds. Deteriorating social ties lead to increased radicalisation among certain groups. Moreover, the standards set by our organisation are being increasingly questioned openly by those who engage in xenophobic or islamophobic political discourse, spurious debates about integration and national values or simply hate speech”. Davutoglu went on: “Learning how to live together is a concept that must be strengthened in the 21st century. This is why we have tasked a group of 'eminent persons' to come up with concrete recommendations as a matter of absolute priority” (G.B./transl.fl)