International action is facilitated by their participation.
Parliaments serve as guardians of democracy and stability and defenders of the values espoused by the United Nations and specialised agencies. As globalisation is affecting the economy, national cultural values are breaking down political borders, and regional parliaments hold a growing influence in national-regional decision making. The United Nations has called upon the world to support the United Nations Year for Dialogue among Civilisations and the forthcoming World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Tolerance that is organised by the UN High Commission for Human Rights.