HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DISCUSSES REVIEW OF MANDATE OF INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN HAITI
The Human Rights Council this morning discussed the review, rationalisation and improvement of the mandate of Louis Joinet, the Independent Expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Haiti. It then proceeded with consideration of outstanding issues under its agenda item on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance: follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
Louis Joinet, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, said he had only six minutes to convince the Council, but he was not sure of what he was supposed to convince them of: whether to renew the mandate, yes, but in addition, to bear witness, and not to plead, over and beyond Haiti, on the so-called geographic mandate procedures. The Council had placed the Special Procedures under trusteeship, in a way. The baby should not be thrown out with the bathwater - however, overlap with the Universal Periodic Review should be avoided. The Universal Periodic Review was indisputable progress, but it was not redundant with the work of the Special Rapporteurs. It was more relevant to talk about complementarity rather than incompatibility.
Haiti, speaking as a concerned country, said that the Haitian authorities wished to see the mandate of the Independent Expert renewed for one year. Mr. Joinet had accomplished his work with professionalism and respect, and had built a climate of confidence between the experts and the Haitian authorities and other partners.
Addressing the issue of the renewal of mandates, delegates said, among other things, that the Council should continue to pay attention and interest in continued efforts for human rights in Haiti, and should continue the mandate. Haiti needed real support from the international community as a whole. It was welcome that the Government wished for the mandate of the Independent Expert to be lengthened, as this showed a clear wish for dialogue, as well as efforts to protect and promote human rights in Haiti.
Speaking on the mandate of the Independent Expert on Haiti were the representatives of Egypt for the African Group, Portugal for the European Union, France, Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Guatemala, Pakistan, Uruguay, Chile, Luxembourg, Algeria, Morocco and Brazil. The representatives of the following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Commission nationale consultative des droits de l'homme, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH) and the International Commission of Jurists.
On the agenda item on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance: follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, Najat Al-Hajjaji, Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference, said six years had passed since Durban, since which many efforts had been made in the eradication of the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; however, despite continuing efforts, racism and discrimination continued to be a root cause of numerous human rights violations. The 2009 Review Conference represented an opportunity for all relevant stakeholders to reflect on the reasons why, in spite of all efforts, they had not overcome all manifestations of racism and to work on effectively implementing the anti-discrimination agenda.
Juan Martabit, Chairperson of the Inter-Governmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action, said the fight against racism and racial discrimination and xenophobia supposed basic, shared understanding based on the Durban texts. Only through agreeing on common actions, not actions imposed by circumstances, could progress be made. Racism was one of the worst scourges, and he had defended this working method forcefully. Discussion, indeed passion and energy, were necessary in this process, but the need to generate solutions in common was paramount, in order to alleviate the reality of suffering faced by those victims of discrimination and injustice on the basis of race.
Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introducing the report of the High Commissioner on combating defamation of religions, said the report concluded that ignorance continued to be one of the underlying causes of religious discrimination. Human rights education was an essential tool for the elimination of odious stereotypes. While broadening cultural horizons and knowledge of human rights, education could also promote behavioural changes that fostered tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence.
With regards to the general debate on the follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action, and in the context of the general debate on this agenda item, speakers said the Council could only prove its relevance by helping lift and ease the suffering of the widest number of people around the world, through addressing the many scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on a regular and permanent basis, and redressing the situation of the victims. Democracy and human rights were incompatible with racism and racial discrimination was one of the cruelest manifestations of the divide between rich and poor and the effects of globalization under the aegis of its neo-liberal masters. Accommodation of Muslims and their religious aspirations in the Western world would create space for political and social harmony.
Speaking on the agenda item on racism and racial discrimination were Portugal on behalf of the European Union, Cuba, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Egypt on behalf of the African Group, Brazil on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries and South Africa.
The next meeting of the Council will be at 3 p.m. this afternoon, when it is scheduled to conclude its general debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance: follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, before taking up its agenda item on technical assistance and capacity-building.
Statement by Concerned Country
JEAN-CLAUDE PIERRE (Haiti), speaking as a concerned country, said that the Haitian authorities wished to see the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, Louis Joinet, renewed for one year. The Independent Expert had accomplished his work with professionalism and respect, and had built a climate of confidence between the experts and the Haitian authorities and other partners. In justice reform, Parliament had voted for new laws and the courts and magistracy had been modernized, including new laws on immediate court appearances and an independent civil servant at the head of the forensic institute. In police reform, a unit had been set up in the capital to tackle petty crime, and security had been improved through the actions of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH. The Government encouraged foreign investment to help fight poverty, and was combatting corruption and drug trafficking. Haiti expressed its strong wish to see the mandate continue.
Statement by the Independent Expert on Human Rights in Haiti
LOUIS JOINET, Independent Expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Haiti, said he had only six minutes to convince the Council, but he was not sure of what he was supposed to convince them: whether to renew the mandate, yes, but in addition, to bear witness, and not to plead, over and beyond Haiti, on the so-called geographic mandate procedures. He had been responsible for mandates for over 28 years, during the Cold War, Glasnost, the fall of the Berlin War, and after the events of 11 September 2001. It was in light of this experience that he wished to bear witness.
The representative of Haiti had spoken on behalf of his legitimately elected Government in favour of the renewal of the mandate, and Mr. Joinet was convinced that this was over and beyond any pressure from any quarter, as, those who knew Haiti should know that this was a people which, because of its history, was sovereign and proud of this. Should Haiti be allowed to assume its responsibilities? This was not simply an initiative by the present Government: here, in this very room, the renewal of the mandate had been supported not only by the transition Government but also by the Government of President Aristide.
Some might say that it was a case of selectivity, but Haiti wished for renewal of the mandate. It was a country of the South, and a founder-country of the United Nations. The Council had placed the Special Procedures under trusteeship, in a way. The baby should not be thrown out with the bathwater - however, overlap with the Universal Periodic Review should be avoided. The Universal Periodic Review was indisputable progress, but it was not redundant with the work of the Special Rapporteurs. It was more relevant to talk about complementarity rather than incompatibility.
General Debate on Review, Rationalisation and Improvement of Mandate of Independent Expert on Human Rights in Haiti
OMAR SHALABY.(Egypt), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said as the Council embarked on the consideration of mandates, it should bear in mind the decisions upon which the mandates were built on. The delegation of Haiti had outlined a number of points that helped to assess the effectiveness of the mandate, including the expressed will of the Government to cooperate, the respected obligation of the mandate holder to respect the Government, the building of a climate of confidence and clear and measurable results. It was clear from the two presentations that the mandate was most probable to continue, mainly thanks to the attainment of clear and measurable objectives. All mandates should be reviewed on the basis of clear outcomes. The objective of the whole exercise was to improve the situation on the ground. The sheer political label of a country Special Procedure was not the best avenue to achieve human rights objectives, especially when more effective means to do so were available.
ANA VALENTE (Portugal), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that despite difficult circumstances, Mr. Joinet had gained the confidence of the Haitian authorities and helped reform of the police and justice systems. There had been a fruitful and demanding dialogue. The European Union called for renewal of the Independent Expert’s mandate. How would the renewal of the mandate enable implementation of the necessary reforms in police and judicial inspection, the fight against prolonged detention and other matters, the European Union asked? What was the Independent Expert’s practice in relation to the media, had he encountered pressure of any kind, and how had he dealt with it?
JEAN-BAPTISTE MATTEI (France) said too often the real situation of human rights in this world was cause for concern or regret. For Haiti, it was a situation of progress and hope, even if difficulties subsisted, and the Haitian authorities would have to continue to face them. The progress was due first of all to the return of constitutional legality and the ambitious reform programme in human rights undertaken by the authorities, with the support of the international community. In the field, in terms of combating insecurity and violent crime, 2007 had been a year of significant progress. These results were primarily due to cooperation. France wished to congratulate the authorities for the efforts made to diminish the disfunction of the justice and police. The mandate of the Independent Expert was a tool for information, making proposals, and ensuring significant cooperation. The situation was none the less fragile, and the Council should continue to pay attention and interest in continued efforts for human rights in Haiti. The Council should extend the mandate of the Independent Expert.
REFEL PINO ALVAREZ.(Cuba) underscored the fact that the mandate was based on the cooperation between the Government of Haiti and the Independent Expert. The situation had really improved and the mandate should be reinforced. Haiti needed real support from the international community as a whole. Economic and cultural rights were fairly limited. Cuba was fully committed to its sister country Haiti and wanted to help improve the situation of human rights in the country.
CARLOS CHOCANO (Peru) said Peru had contributed to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti MINUSTAH and had participated in electoral monitoring and wished to underline the important progress made in the democratic process in Haiti. Peru welcomed the efforts to improve living conditions and human rights, but was concerned at the number of difficulties faced in overcoming violence and political antagonism. Peru encouraged all countries to assist in supporting the MINUSTAH mission and to help overcome problems of security, institutional development and socio-economic recovery. The mandate, supported by the international community and the political will shown by the authorities, had led to visible improvements. Peru therefore gave decisive support to the maintenance of the mandate.
MARIANA OLIVERA (Mexico) said the work of the Independent Expert Louis Joinet in furtherance of his mandate had been amply acknowledged, and the cooperation and joint work carried out with the authorities and people of Haiti was welcomed. In order to support the country in facing its difficulties and challenges, Mexico, in national and international fora, would continue to promote the idea that more support was needed for Haiti. Mexico agreed with Haiti, and supported the mandate of the Independent Expert, in cooperation with the people of Haiti, and its needs. It was important, in order to strengthen the human rights system, to obtain the input of Mr. Joinet on the best practices and experiences which he had learned during his mandate.
MARIUS GRINIUS (Canada) said that the human rights situation in Haiti was of concern. But the goodwill shown by the Government was recognized. Canada was financially contributing to strengthen the police force. The deployment of a Canadian correctional unit in order to rehabilitate the prison system and human rights violations had also been carried out. The strengthening of the status of women and the combat of violence against them was supported through the help of a special fund. Canada supported the renewal of the mandate and efforts made to contribute to the general situation in the country.
NATALIE KOHLI (Switzerland) said Switzerland felt it was useful to renew the mandate of Independent Expert Louis Joinet and sensed that there would be consensus on this. The Council aimed to promote and protect fundamental rights, and constructive dialogue would be the way to achieve this. Switzerland encouraged the Haitian authorities to renew their efforts to achieve the goals.
ANGELA CHAVEZ BIETTI (Guatemala) welcomed that the Government of Haiti wished for the mandate of Independent Expert Louis Joinet to be lengthened, as this showed a clear wish for dialogue, as well as efforts to protect and promote human rights in Haiti. Guatemala supported the idea of renewing the mandate, and supported the efforts made by the people of Haiti to improve and consolidate the rule of law.
MASOOD KHAN (Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, talking in general about the review of Special Procedures, said that it needed some clarity. The next steps necessary to implement the June document should be taken. Would all mandates be reviewed? Relevance, scope and the content of mandates were important. Any decision to streamline or merge mandates should be guarded by the need to improve the human rights situation. The guidelines of the June document indicated the principles in continuing the mandates. The work that still had to be done was to define the timeframe of the review, rationalization and improvement of mandates, define the concrete goals and hold discussions on scope and content of the mandates. Also, presentations of a report by Special Procedures were not seen as an interactive dialogue.
GABRIEL WINTER (Uruguay) said Uruguay had actively contributed to the peace mission in Haiti. Commitments needed to go further than the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti MINUSTAH, and should focus on institutional capacity building in Haiti. There was no doubt that important difficulties and vulnerabilities remained. The Independent Expert continued to play a crucial role in improving the human rights situation in Haiti and the mandate should be continued.
JUAN MARTABIT (Chile) said in the last few months progress had been made in consolidating the institutional and legal systems in Haiti. An important step forward had been taken in the process of consolidation, which was also the result of important constitutional reforms which had been carried out. The Government of President Preval had undertaken considerable reforms in the economic, legal and social arenas, and had undertaken important reforms which would bring greater well being to the country. There were, however, serious difficulties, and the process was still weak. The mandate of the Independent Expert was of great importance in this connection, both for Haiti and the international community, in order to identify and focus on areas of cooperation, so it was indispensable to maintain in this situation. Chile therefore supported the renewal of the mandate.
JEAN FEYDER (Luxembourg) said that the renewal of the mandate was necessary for everyone. The strengthening of human rights in Haiti was important. But one must not lose from view the challenges of development in Haiti. Attention was drawn to the European Union report that had showed that huge poverty persisted in the country; economic and cultural rights were poor. Consistency should be shown. The mandate should be extended.
MOHAMMED BESSEDIK (Algeria) said Algeria supported the statements of Egypt on behalf of the African Group and Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and while expressing the wish to see the mandate continued, Algeria was concerned about selectivity in country mandates. Independent Expert Louis Joinet said there had been no question of selectivity in this matter. Algeria felt that a decision of the Council had been adopted whereby it was up to the Council to implement the provision of the Resolution and respect it.
MOHAMMED LOULICHKI (Morocco) said Independent Expert Louis Joinet was to be congratulated for his clear and lucid presentation, and tribute should be paid to his dedication and modesty. He had contributed to re-establishing peace in Haiti, and the developments outlined in his report were welcomed. The process of consolidating peace and stability in Haiti was lengthy, laborious, and fraught with difficulties and development challenges. This required a great deal of patience, commitment and determination in order to build the economic and social fabric. The praise-worthy initiatives taken by the authorities for the continuation of the mandate were noted, and it was hoped that this situation would be repeated. However, hopefully mandate holders would also tell the Council that their mandates should be discontinued. The debate had shown to what extent situations differed from each other. The Council should discuss each mandate on its merits, and take into account the views of the State concerned.
KATHARINA ROSE, of Commission nationale consultative des droits de l'homme, said that they were in favour of the continuation of the mandate of Independent Expert Louis Joinet. Of crucial importance was the role of the national human rights institute and the Office for the Protection of Citizens. Their main mission was to ensure that fundamental rights were observed in countries. In this connection the Independent Expert’s proposal for the human rights section to take over the operation from MINUSTAH was interesting. National institutions would then be ready to invest time and resources to implement that programme. What would be the Independent Expert’s role in this case?
LOUIS ROBERSON, of International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), said the human rights situation remained worrying. Despite some improvement in the security situation following arrests and disarming of armed groups by the National Police and the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH, there was still impunity among armed groups and state agents active inside the national police. There was a high murder rate, abuses in the form of preventive detention and deaths in custody due to deplorable detention conditions. Torture, extrajudicial execution and violence against women remained causes for concern.
LUKAS MACHON, of International Commission of Jurists, said the mandate of the Independent Expert was valued, and the work of Louis Joinet merited extension of the mandate, as it had been instrumental in enhancing the rule of law and protection of justice in Haiti. However, issues such as that of impunity should be overcome.
Concluding Remarks
LOUIS JOINET, Independent Expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Haiti, in concluding remarks, said that he had not been under pressure, even under president Aristide. Improvements were not needed in his mandate. On the collaboration with MINUSTAH, ensuring that the UN activity would be relayed was very important. It was important that the human rights section of MINUSTAH was ready for the transition; else all the work would have been for nothing. In reference to the Duvallier funds that were probably embezzled, they would be returned to Haiti. There was cooperation between Switzerland and Haiti on this matter. The support of States and non-governmental organizations was fundamental to improve the situation in the country.
SERGIO ABREU E LIMA FLORENCIO (Brazil), concluding the debate on Haiti, said Brazil was deeply engaged in supporting and cooperating with Haiti in the broadest sense, notably in MINUSTAH, and in sectorial projects in areas of immediate social impact, with funds of the international community as well as Brazilian Cooperation Agency funds. These were aimed at combating sexual violence against women, establishing a special police station for women and a support centre for women victims of violence, supporting election infrastructure, and eradication of child labour. Brazil’s mission worked in Port–au Prince to improve security and contact with the civilian population. Mr. Joinet provided a basic framework for understanding the immense challenges in Haiti. Haiti was in need of a new paradigm with emphasis on combating poverty and strengthening capacity to provide services to the population. Root causes were not limited to security but lay in poverty, social injustice and vulnerable State institutions. Priority must be given to combating insecurity, since the poor most often suffered from violence in such conditions. It was necessary to continue restructuring public institutions, and the authorities should be commended for supporting Mr. Joinet’s mandate. Brazil fully supported the extension of the mandate.
JEAN-CLAUDE PIERRE (Haiti) said the thanks of the Government of Haiti were extended to all those who had spoken in favour of keeping the mandate, as it was a wonderful tool, allowing the Council to have a global view of the human rights situation in the country. The friends of Haiti were thanked for their technical and financial support.
Presentation by the Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference
Najat Al-Hajjaji, Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference, in an oral report on the first session of the Committee, said after a lengthy and constructive dialogue between all participants, consensus had been reached on a number of significant issues, outstanding progress had been made, and the success of the session had enabled the Committee to provide a good road map to achieving the objectives in the run-up to the Durban Review Conference in 2009.
All decisions were successfully adopted by consensus. Among these were decisions which recommended that the Human Rights Council adopt a decision inviting the Committee to submit its reports to the General Assembly; on provisional rules of procedure for the Durban Review Conference; on sources of funding and financial and technical assistance; and on the objectives of the Conference, which were to include the promotion of the universal ratification and implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
The fight against racism and racial discrimination was essential to the enjoyment of human rights and to the consolidation of the rule of law, sustainable development, democracy and peace. Six years had passed since Durban, since which many efforts had been made in the eradication of the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; however, despite continuing efforts, racism and discrimination continued to be a root cause of numerous human rights violations. From a standpoint of renewed interest, a review Conference would give new impetus to countering racism. It would unite the global community in a determined struggle against this social evil. The 2009 Review Conference represented an opportunity for all relevant stakeholders to reflect on the reasons why, in spite of all efforts, they had not overcome all manifestations of racism and to work on effectively implementing the anti-discrimination agenda.
Presentation by the Chairperson of the Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
JUAN MARTABIT President-Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on Effective Application of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, said the Working Group had considered, in the March meeting of the Group’s fifth session, national action plans to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. There had been an exchange of ideas on standards with the five experts appointed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office (OHCHR), and a presentation on the cooperation and technical support that may be needed. On complementary standards, the five experts had consulted with regional groups to identify gaps in international norms. Various delegations had pointed to the issue of professional and financial make-up of the Anti-Discrimination Unit in OHCHR.
In the September meeting of the fifth session, there had been a thematic analysis of the reports of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The aim was to study current procedures and obstacles to achieving the mandate of the Committee, and look at recommendations on its monitoring role. The selection process had ensured that the five OHCHR-appointed experts were highly qualified, independent and competent. They produced a report of great value for those engaged constructively in the fight against racism.
Dialogue and negotiation were the tools of diplomacy. Dialogue meant stating one’s position and listening to the other’s to reach a mutual vision and build a strategy based on a common basis. The fight against racism and racial discrimination and xenophobia supposed basic, shared understanding based on the Durban texts. Only through agreeing on common actions, not actions imposed by circumstances, could progress be made. Racism was one of the worst scourges, and he had defended this working method forcefully. Discussion, indeed passion and energy, were necessary in this process, but the need to generate solutions in common was paramount, in order to alleviate the reality of suffering faced by those victims of discrimination and injustice on the basis of race.
Presentation of Report of High Commissioner on Combating Defamation of Religions
KYUNG-WHA KANG, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introducing the High Commissioner’s report on combating the defamation of religions, said that last week the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance had presented his report. The High Commissioner’s report presented an overview of the related activities of the Special Rapporteur and treaty bodies in recent months. The report concluded that ignorance continued to be one of the underlying causes of religious discrimination. Human rights education was an essential tool for the elimination of odious stereotypes. While broadening cultural horizons and knowledge of human rights, education could also promote behavioural changes that fostered tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence.
General Debate on Presentations
CARLOS PEREIRA MARQUES, (Portugal), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the European Union was fully committed to the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and was deeply concerned about this continuing scourge. It was the obligation of all States to strive for the elimination of every form of discrimination. The European Union was ready to pursue its efforts at the national, regional and international level to fight these phenomena while ensuring equal treatment among victims. The European Union was fully committed to the realisation and success of the Durban Review Conference and welcomed the opportunity that it would give to share with partners what it had done to implement the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action, and to learn from the experiences of partners from other regions. The development of international complementary standards could be considered to address current challenges, but these should be elaborated on the basis of a comprehensive and consensual process of identification of gaps in international standards. The European Union was concerned with regards to the disproportionally high number of different mechanisms dealing with this issue in the Council.
REFEL PINO ALVAREZ (Cuba) said the start of the Durban review process coincided with an historic spread of racist and xenophobic tendencies, a situation that had worsened since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, and the rise of right-wing parties with anti-immigrant platforms. Civilizations and religions like Islam were particularly singled out for orchestrated demonization from the countries of the North. It was urgent to achieve the full implementation of the aims and actions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. A number of countries were attempting to limit the scope and impact of the PrepCom. None of the challenges faced were insurmountable if the will was shown to working towards a result. All necessary budgetary provisions should be made to the Preparatory Process and the Review Conference. On Ambassador Martabit’s Working Group, Cuba was positively inclined towards the African Group’s recommendations on timetabling for the 2008 session. Democracy and human rights were incompatible with racism and racial discrimination was one of the cruelest manifestations of the divide between rich and poor and the effects of globalization under the aegis of its neo-liberal masters.
MASOOD KHAN.(Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), said that the report of the High Commissioner did not fully capture that defamation of religions, especially Islamophobia, was an alarming and growing phenomena in several countries. This defamation threatened social harmony and integration in their societies. To state that it continued to be a problem sounded like an understatement. National laws and courts alone were not able to deal with the rising tide of defamation and hatred against Muslims in the Western countries. The report gave the impression that the status quo was the preferred course of action. A quick fix would not resolve the issues. Although the hierarchisation of defamations was rejected, the most pressing issues had to be addressed. Terrorists were motivated by politics not religion. It was imperative to discontinue the terrorist profiling on the basis of ethnic and religious identities. Accommodation of Muslims and their religious aspirations in the Western world would create space for political and social harmony. It was surprising that in many instances holocaust survivors, instead of promoting harmony, were campaigning against Muslim symbols. Islamophobia was also a crude form of Anti-Semitism. As Cathedrals adorned the skylines in many Muslim countries, so should Minarets. Mosques with their traditional architecture should become a symbol of integration in Europe. Publications of sacrilegious caricatures were sowing the seed of discord. There was a need for inter- and intra-religious dialogue at all levels.
OMAR SHALABY (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said whether in the past through colonialism, plundering of wealth and enslavement, in the recent past, before the fall of Apartheid, or in present times witnessing the continuing dire situation of people of African descent in the Diaspora, and the rising suffering of African migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, the African continent had been at the heart of the scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and, at the same time, at the forefront of global efforts to eliminate racism and its various forms and manifestations. Combating racism in its various forms and manifestations was and should always be at the core of human rights issues. The Council could only prove its relevance by helping lift and ease the suffering of the widest number of people around the world, through addressing the many scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on a regular and permanent basis, and redressing the situation of the victims.
SERGIO ABREU E LIMA FLORENCIO (Brazil), speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC), said the GRULAC countries had actively participated in the constructive efforts of the Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Working Group had been characterized by a spirit of cooperation and consensus. There had been important agreement on recommendations for tackling racism and discrimination in relation to education, poverty, health, the Internet, globalization and other issues, and on national action plans and complementary standards. Brazil hoped to see further interesting debate on the elaboration of complementary norms, and reiterated support for the work of Ambassador Martabit and the Working Group.
GLAUDINE MTSHALI (South Africa) said that the fight against racism and racial discrimination had been at the forefront of the United Nations since its creation. South Africa’s solid commitment to the elimination of racism was reflected in its Constitution. The World Conference Against Racism in 2001 had been an historic landmark. The struggle against racism was a struggle for human dignity and the eradication of poverty. The Durban Declaration remained the basis for the effective elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The 2009 Review Conference would help to identify concrete measures and initiatives for their elimination. Of serious concern was the increase in contemporary manifestations of these scourges.
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