HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DEBATES RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DURBAN DECLARATION
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, heard the report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and held a general debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, including follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
Mutuma Ruteere, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, said that education, which was key to empowering individuals and groups to lift themselves out of poverty, should be guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equality. He drew the Council’s attention to the obstacles facing migrants, refugees, and members of minorities, among others, in their access to education. He also spoke about his missions to Bolivia and Spain.
Bolivia and Spain spoke as concerned countries.
In the interactive dialogue, delegations highlighted the efforts they were making to fight against discrimination. Many speakers agreed that education was crucial to combating racism and discrimination by empowering individuals and by promoting the principles of equality and tolerance. Speakers pointed out that much remained to be done in terms of fighting against all forms and manifestations of racism in society, including in the field of politics. Some delegations said that the freedom of expression of the media should not be absolute, because it could be used to promote incitement to religious hatred.
Speaking in the debate on racism were South Africa on behalf of the African Group, Morocco, Ecuador on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries, Algeria on behalf the Arab Group, European Union, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Austria, United States, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Senegal, Algeria, Slovenia, Qatar, Cuba, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Namibia, Belgium, Botswana, Maldives, Belarus, Iran, Indonesia, Russian Federation, Angola, Nigeria, Armenia, Libya and Kuwait.
The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Open Society Institute, United Nations Watch, Franciscans International, International Humanist and Ethical Union, and International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists.
Mohamed Siad Douale, Chairperson of the tenth session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, said that the Working Group underscored the importance of drafting and adopting national action plans to monitor the implementation of treaties and to combat discrimination and xenophobia. During its tenth session the Working Group had benefited from the expertise of specialists and from the active participation of delegations and international and non-governmental organizations. The recommendations included in the report were addressed to Member States, the United Nations and civil society.
In the general debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, including follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, speakers said that the full implementation of the Durban Declaration was regrettably still pending. Many speakers expressed concern about the increasing use of xenophobic and hate speech in politics, the media and sport, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation at the regional and international level. The economic crisis was not the cause of discrimination and xenophobia but certainly exacerbated the phenomenon and had a negative impact on vulnerable groups.
Speaking in the general debate were Ireland on behalf of the European Union, Algeria on behalf of the Arab Group, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Gabon on behalf of the African Group, Venezuela, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Russian Federation, Algeria, Norway, Sri Lanka, China, Cuba, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria and the Council of Europe.
The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: United Nations Watch, Indian Council of South America, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development, Comité International pour le Respect et l’Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples, International Humanist and Ethical Union, Centre for Inquiry, International Educational Development, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation, World Muslim Congress, Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy, Liberation, International Buddhist Relief Organization, and International Human Rights Association of American Minorities.
Mauritania spoke at the end of the meeting in a right of reply.
The Council will resume its work at 1 p.m. today when it will hear the introduction of the report by the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, followed by an interactive dialogue. A panel discussion on democracy and the rule of law will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Documentation
The Council has before it the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 67/154 (A/HRC/23/24).
The Council has before it the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (A/HRC/23/56); an addendum to the report concerning the Special Rapporteur’s mission to Bolivia (A/HRC/23/56/Add.1); an addendum to the report concerning the Special Rapporteur’s mission to Spain (A/HRC/23/56/Add.2); and an addendum to the report concerning comments by Spain on the report of the Special Rapporteur (A/HRC/23/56/Add.3).
Presentation of Reports by Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
MUTUMA RUTEERE, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, presenting his reports, said that in his annual thematic report he had focused on the role of education in preventing and combating racism and discrimination and that it was key in empowering individuals and groups to lift themselves out of poverty. Education could play an important role if its access and quality were also guided by principles of non-discrimination and equality. It was important for States to ensure that curricula contained adequate and balanced information on the contribution of minorities, migrants and other groups. Beyond the issue of access it was important that curricula promoted diversity and that teachers participated in trainings. Economic difficulties had resulted in the significant reduction of educational budgets in some countries and States had to carefully asses the impact of these restrictions on the right to education. Attention was brought to the Council about the situation faced by migrants, refugees, victims of cast-based organizations, and members of minorities, among others, in access to education for a number of structural reasons. There was concern that de facto segregation in education remained widespread. Education also had a role in preventing conflict. The rise of extremist political parties, movements and groups, continued to pose many challenges, particularly in the context of the ongoing economic and financial crisis and this called for continued vigilance. The internet played an important role in giving victims of racism and discrimination a voice. Mr. Ruteere was aware that there was a challenge with regard to the internet, in particular in terms of the dissemination of racist ideologies, and so efforts were needed to combat this misuse.
With regards to a visit to Bolivia, the significant progress that provided a favourable legal framework for the elimination of racism and discrimination was welcomed. The positive steps taken to combat racism against indigenous persons were also noted. However, indigenous peoples continued to experience structural discrimination in access to education and health care, among other areas.
Concerning a visit to Spain, important progress and achievements in eliminating racism and discrimination were welcomed. It was important to continue efforts to address these issues. Spain had a strong legal framework against discrimination, and credible institutions in the fight against racism and discrimination. He recommended that Spain look at the impact of the economic crisis on vulnerable groups.
Statements by Concerned Countries
Bolivia, speaking as a concerned country, welcomed the willingness of the Special Rapporteur to highlight important political, economic and social improvements that had been introduced in the lives of indigenous peoples in Bolivia who had historically been excluded. The report set out the progress made in eradicating the negative behaviour which still existed in the Bolivian society, particularly among the groups who historically held political and public power and had huge problems in accepting the first indigenous President. Bolivia had set up the architecture to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, including the National Action Plan to combat this phenomenon. Bolivia reiterated its commitment to continue with the measures to meet specific needs of the population and would ensure that racial practices were completely eradicated from the society, including through ensuring that the media was free from propagating hatred against others.
Spain, speaking as a concerned country, believed that visits by Special Procedures were a key element in the work of the Human Rights Council and were invaluable for the State receiving the visit because they forced it to face the existing challenges. Spain was committed to combating any form of discrimination and was aware of the scourge of racism, particularly its new forms, and that was why combating racism had been made a policy priority. The report by the Special Rapporteur was balanced and reflected the many efforts in combating racism and racial discrimination in Spain, particularly against the Gypsy population, and recognized the existence of credible institutions to combat racism. The Special Rapporteur had raised some concerns in his report regarding the situation of specific groups and Spain said it would take them seriously. Spain presented its comments on two points raised in the report it did not agree with, namely on torture and ill treatment and incitement to racial hatred, and asked the Special Rapporteur to amend the relevant paragraphs accordingly.
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, welcomed the Special Rapporteur’s focus on the challenges posed by extremist parties, movements and groups on human rights and democracy, and the focus on the need to protect vulnerable groups against racist and xenophobic acts perpetrated by such groups. The African Group condemned attacks or violence by such extremist groups and shared sentiments that political leaders and their parties should strongly condemn messages that propagated and incited to racial discrimination and xenophobia.
Morocco shared the opinion that education was a very powerful way of attacking deep rooted discrimination and injustices inherited from the past. It took note of the positive contributions from new information technologies such as the internet, which could be a useful pedagogic tool in combating racism and xenophobia. Morocco restated its commitment to the principles of human dignity and equality and condemned all forms of discrimination and inequality.
Ecuador, speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries, pointed out how relevant it was that the report had focused on education. There were positive examples of societies in the region that had learned to live in harmony. However, the Group recognised that discrimination was a phenomenon that affected its societies and it stressed the importance of implementing the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action. The Group shared the idea that education was fundamental for combating and preventing racism and discrimination.
Algeria, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, said that discrimination was a dangerous phenomenon and education could help to put an end to it. It was necessary to protect the most vulnerable groups and give consideration to the impact of racist incidents and the consequences of racial supremacy beliefs. The Arab Group believed that freedom of expression should not be used by the media in an absolute way because in the past that had given rise to Islamophobia, although human rights should always be respected.
European Union said that racism was a complex and multidimensional issue which necessitated a comprehensive, human rights approach, in which education played in important role. The new information and communication technologies such as the internet had a positive role to play in the fight against racism in cyber space. Could the Special Rapporteur elaborate on what he meant by non-formal education and explain how that could be used to combat discrimination?
Brazil said that for several years Brazil had been successfully implementing affirmative action policies in order to foster equality through education. In April 2012 the Federal Supreme Court had unanimously decided that affirmative action policies did not violate the principle of equality and that the system of racial quotas in universities was in line with the Brazilian Constitution. Brazil also supported the Decade for People of African Descent and its theme “recognition, justice and development”.
Saudi Arabia said that the report contained valuable information on the threats by some political parties and groups working against the interest of foreigners which might lead to an increase of discrimination. Saudi Arabia drew the attention of the Special Rapporteur to a new form of racial discrimination known as Islamophobia, and urged him to combat this phenomenon as a contemporary form of racism and include to it in his report.
Austria said that education was a powerful potential to prevent and combat racism and address deep rooted discrimination and the legacy of historical injustices. Austria asked about some good practices in simple measures that could be taken in education, such as anti-discrimination training for teachers, inclusive curricula and temporary special measures. Would he continue to put a focus on discrimination against Roma and victims of caste-based discrimination, including Dalits?
United States concurred that education played an integral role in promoting tolerance and echoed the Special Rapporteur’s call upon States to use education as a tool to promote tolerance and equality. Even the best efforts to combat racism and racial discrimination must also preserve a robust freedom of expression. The United States remained deeply concerned about speech promoting ideas of racial superiority or advocating hatred. The best antidote to offensive speech was more speech that challenged hateful expression combined with legal protections against discrimination and hate crimes.
Turkey said that having more than four million citizens living in foreign countries as immigrant communities, Turkey had gained first-hand experience about discrimination and xenophobia against them. It was especially concerned about the growing racist and xenophobic tendencies in a number of countries in Europe. The international community had to seize every opportunity to express its strong determination to combat these scourges and promote tolerance.
Sri Lanka said that it had put measures in place for the realization of the right to education for all, taking into account the dimensions of non-discrimination and physical and economic accessibility. The rights of minorities were ensured without discrimination. Human rights education had also been incorporated into the school curriculum under the subject of citizen education. Sri Lanka had also initiated special educational programmes targeting children with disabilities.
Venezuela agreed that education had huge possibilities to address deep seated discrimination and the legacy of historical injustice. The Special Rapporteur said that States needed to recognise the importance of education. Venezuela saw education as a fundamental right and social duty. Through actions and policies towards equal opportunities, the building of a fairer society was ensured. Continued vigilance was needed, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups from racism and xenophobia.
Senegal said that the report by the Special Rapporteur confirmed the crucial role played by education in combating racism, discrimination and intolerance, and showed that racist and xenophobic political speech posed a major threat to democracy. It was regrettable that the report contained some controversial notions and Senegal invited the Special Rapporteur to comply with the reference conditions of his mandate.
Algeria said that new forms of racism for political purposes had appeared and racist and xenophobic speech was starting to contaminate the majority of political parties, not just the extreme right. Extremists often used the internet to spread their views. The media played a key role because they were in direct, daily contact with the population and needed to pass positive messages. Algeria was convinced that education was crucial to eliminating racism and discrimination.
Slovenia said that education was an indispensable element for efficient, strengthened and comprehensive human rights protection. Human rights education in particular could act as a preventive mechanism to combat all forms of racism, intolerance and discrimination. Slovenia had developed age-appropriate didactical materials based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which helped children to familiarize themselves with their own rights and the right of others.
Qatar appreciated the important role of education in fighting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance and agreed that access to education in times of conflict was a major challenge. Preventing racism and racial discrimination in conflict situations was another challenge, particularly for refugee children. Today, 28 million children were denied education because of conflict. Qatar had set up many human rights institutions to monitor the human rights situation and any abuses or violations committed by State agencies.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation said that the seed of empathy must be sown in the age of innocence so as to enable children to see others like themselves. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation had included in its Charter the need to understand dialogue between civilizations, cultures and religions and fully supported the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur, especially those on the primordial role of education in the deconstruction of prejudices.
Cuba was very concerned about the relentless growth of racist political parties, especially in countries of Europe, in the United States and in Israel, which was exacerbated by the global economic and financial crises. Democratic and equitable order must be established to combat racism and racial discrimination, particularly against minorities, Muslims, Roma and others.
Namibia agreed with the emphasis on the need for human rights education in schools. Namibia had enacted the Racial Discrimination Prohibition Act one year into independence. The Government had also established a Law Reform and Development Commission with a view to recommending appropriate law reform. Although racial discrimination had been prohibited, Namibia was concerned by remaining instances of racial discrimination.
Belgium said that every two years the country submitted to the United Nations General Assembly a resolution on the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This instrument was particularly important. Racism was a complex and multidimensional problem and Belgium agreed that education played a fundamental role in preventing racism and intolerance from emerging.
Botswana said that its Government continued in all possible ways to ensure that any form of impunity for crimes motivated by racist and xenophobic attitudes was closely watched. It shared the view that States should ensure prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into these crimes and that adequate measures should be pursued for those found responsible. At the national level, Botswana had continued to integrate human rights training in the curricula of law enforcement officers.
Maldives said that it was important to strengthen the right to non-discrimination and that it recognized the need to fill the legislative gaps in providing for equality of all citizens in its jurisdiction. The Maldives had become a member of the International Labour Office in 2009 and it had recently ratified the convention on discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, which prohibited all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinions or social origin.
Belarus said that later this month a seminar would be held in Minsk on capacity building in fighting against racism, which would strengthen the country’s anti-racist framework. Belarus was alarmed by the increase of racism in the European Union. In Germany and Hungary there were political parties which openly presented their racist views. In Hungary attempts had been made to promote segregation in education. The Roma suffered in Lithuania, Romania and Sweden, while racist attacks occurred in Poland and Belgium.
Iran said that in recent years incidents of incitement to racial and religious hatred through hate speech and negative stereotyping had occurred in Western countries. Incidents against migrants and foreigners included attacks on mosques as well as beating and stabbing migrants, asylum seekers and foreign students. Muslim citizens, individuals of African descent and the Roma communities had been singled out and stigmatized. A comprehensive approach to the problem of racism should be developed and implemented.
Indonesia underscored the Special Rapporteur’s call for States to ensure that general education curriculum contained adequate and balanced information to promote tolerance, respect and diversity. Indonesia asked the Special Rapporteur about his ideas concerning the correct formulation of history in education curriculum, teachers’ training to prevent racism and racial discrimination, and ensuring quality education in the context of budgetary constraints.
Russia was alarmed about the use of the internet and modern communication technology for spreading racism and racial discrimination and shared the concern of the Special Rapporteur about the attempts to revise history which might lead to an upsurge in Nazism. States must prevent a renaissance of Nazism, which should also be one of the priorities for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Angola attached huge importance to the role of education in combating racism and racial discrimination and noted that, despite positive initiatives in some regions, access to quality education for people of African descent was still a problem. Angola asked the Special Rapporteur what could be done to remedy this and to include a culture of peace in national education strategies, and agreed on the important role of education, sport and culture in the promotion of tolerance and friendship between people.
Nigeria noted with concern the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups in their quest for equal access to quality education. Nigeria condemned all manner of racial segregation in schools, especially, as noted in the report, the segregation of Roma children. It also condemned the structural discrimination and limited access faced in certain countries by people of African descent in their pursuit of higher education. It was also concerned by the estimated number of persons at risk of discrimination based on their inherited status.
Armenia said that it highly valued the inclusion of human rights education in the curriculum of schools and universities. Armenia also paid special attention to access to education without discrimination, a right that was guaranteed by its Constitution and laws. It considered that there was a need for the promotion and protection of education for the most vulnerable groups of the population, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
Libya welcomed the report’s focus on education and thanked the Special Rapporteur for his important recommendations. Education was vital in changing racist behaviours and attitudes as was noted by the Durban Declaration. Libya was fully cognisant that decades of dictatorship and injustice had led to racist behaviour. It would be difficult to foster the values of tolerance and co-existence and recognition of the culture of the other, without teaching human rights to future generations.
Kuwait supported the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur regarding the role that education could play in combating discrimination. Racial discrimination was the main stumbling block to the full enjoyment of human rights. Kuwait had taken a number of measures to fight against discrimination, while respecting human dignity at the same time. Education in Kuwait taught the principles enshrined in the country’s constitution and a law was in place to protect national unity.
Open Society Institute said that police identity checks in Spain were often based on skin colour, which constituted unlawful discrimination. Spain should increase efforts to end ethnic profiling practices and to implement the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur in that respect.
UN Watch said that even though Iran claimed that it respected the rights of women and religious minorities, nevertheless the truth was that the regime in Iran was holding the Iranian people hostage by arbitrarily imprisoning and torturing them. The Council should demand justice and accountability from Iran and save lives.
Franciscans International said that the failure to collect data disaggregated by race or ethnicity was a significant challenge in ensuring equal access to education. The lack of disaggregated data in Peru was a major obstacle in assessing and responding effectively to the situation of groups that were discriminated against, particularly for Afro-Peruvian children who suffered inequalities from the initial level of education to university.
International Humanist and Ethical Union said that the perception of increasing hostility towards Muslims in Britain was false and noted that data demonstrated that Britain was increasingly at ease with its Muslim population. The British Government had failed to counter the radical imams in Britain’s mosques and prisons who were creating an image of Muslims as victims and instilling in youth a desire for revenge. The radicalization of British Muslim youth was an issue that must be tackled soon.
International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists said that the report failed to set out details of neo-Nazi incidents and refrained from describing specific events or naming countries in which neo-Nazism and other forms of extremism was spreading. Also, it did not give examples of good practice of countries where this phenomenon had decreased dramatically, which could actually encourage States to continue their good work.
Concluding Remarks by the Special Rapporteur on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
MUTUMA RUTEERE, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in concluding remarks said that comments and contributions made would be quite useful to his future engagements and in preparing the different studies. With regards to the cooperation that the mandate recognized and extended and cultivated with other mandate holders, this was something that had emerged as a valuable practice and this would continue to be strengthened. The approach of the mandate was to continue to place an equal emphasis on all victims of racism and discrimination, and to encourage States to pay equal attention to victims. The valuable contribution of civil society organizations was recognized. Indeed, in all parts of the world where progress had been made against racist or xenophobic discrimination, it had come through the invaluable contribution of civil society organizations. The report recognized that there were children and young adults that went through different forms of education and therefore it was important that any measures to introduce human rights education pay attention to non-formal education. Attention would be paid to good practices in future reports. On the normative framework used by the mandate, the insufficiency of any single framework was recognized and Mr. Ruteere had tried to look at new suggestions and ideas from other mechanisms.
Documentation
The Council has before it the report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action on its tenth session (A/HRC/23/19).
The Council has before it the report of the High Commissioner on the Summary of the outcome of the Nelson Mandela International Day high-level panel discussion on how the values of reconciliation, peace, freedom and racial equality can contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights (A/HRC/23/30).
Presentation of the Report of the Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
MOHAMED SIAD DOUALE, Chairperson of the tenth Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, said that racism disproportionately affected marginalized groups. The Working Group had adopted a range of recommendations to strengthen its effectiveness and it had devoted considerable time to all stakeholders so that they could share examples of good practices. The Working Group underscored the importance of drafting and adopting national action plans to monitor the implementation of treaties and to combat discrimination and xenophobia, discussed in depth the role of politicians and political parties, and addressed the question of strengthening international and regional cooperation. Its tenth session had benefited from the expertise of many specialists and from the active participation of delegations and international, regional and non-governmental organizations. The recommendations included in the report were addressed primarily to Member States but also to the United Nations and key players in civil society.
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
Ireland, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance remained a global challenge requiring a multi-stakeholder approach. European agencies for human rights had been collecting and analyzing information about fundamental rights including about occurrences of racism and xenophobia in Europe since 2010. The European Union had adopted a concrete action plan addressing specific groups most vulnerable to discrimination and had engaged constructively at international levels.
Algeria, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, reiterated the Arab Group’s commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and called on the Human Rights Council and States to step up efforts to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Racism was institutionalized in some contexts and took the form of harassment against certain groups and individuals. It was often coupled with incitement to hatred and the Arab Group called on all countries to give more attention to racial discrimination.
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, expressed concern over increased incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion and said that the alarming increase in incidents of Islamophobia were the manifestation of religious hatred and intolerance. States had to introduce adequate protection against acts of hate crimes, hate speech, discrimination, intimidation and coercion resulting from defamation and incitement to religious hatred as well as the denigration of venerated personalities.
Gabon, speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that it was necessary to take tangible measures against racist speech and political messages that fostered or incited to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Combating this scourge was still one of the main concerns requiring immediate attention. The world must continue to bolster international and regional cooperation for the comprehensive implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
Venezuela said that its Government was deeply convinced that it needed to eradicate this scourge and it had committed itself to implementing the law against racial discrimination. Information should be obtained to set up national policies to target assistance to vulnerable groups. Venezuela was committed to participating in the work of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
Sierra Leone was particularly concerned by instances of covert racism which were less obvious but equally harmful forms of racism and they had to be addressed to fully combat all forms of racial discrimination and xenophobia. Education was of vital importance to combat covert prejudices. Sensitising teachers to the history of vulnerable groups could be of help and allow them to confront such issues. There was also concern about racial discrimination in light of the economic and financial crisis.
Botswana said that it was putting together a comprehensive national strategy for the promotion of human rights and resources to allow the authorities to fight racism and all forms of discrimination. Botswana continued to count on the support of the anti-discrimination unit of the Office of the High Commissioner. It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the work carried out by the Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and to contributing to the complete elimination of discrimination.
Russian Federation said that it was concerned about the rise of extreme right ideologies, which were taking alarming dimensions, and by racist ideologies circulating among the political elite in Europe. Neo-Nazi groups were not only threatening the world with mass terror and acts of intimidation but they were also killing individuals. The global crisis could be held accountable but political authorities in the European Union for many years had preferred foreign policy on human rights instead of domestic policy on human rights.
Algeria said that the problem of racism in the world was taking dangerous dimensions and its manifestations were alarming. More visible, tangible and concerted actions were needed in order to combat racism and discrimination. Xenophobia in political speech, in the media and in sport was a worrying new trend. Algeria appealed to all States to commit to the universality and interdependence of human rights and to strengthen the follow-up mechanism to the Durban Conference.
Norway said that racism and xenophobia remained among the worst forms of discrimination and it was important that measures were taken to combat the occurrence of these phenomena against all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and minorities. The challenges could be overcome through joined efforts in this field and that was why Norway had organized an international conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance.
Sri Lanka said that it had identified sports, arts and culture as catalysts in promoting reconciliation and dialogue among communities and action was underway to integrate youth in the reconciliation process. Sri Lanka would host the World Conference on Youth in 2014. Language was a key factor in promoting reconciliation and several measures had been formulated to implement the National Trilingual Policy 2012-2020. The Government was also in the process of formulating policy to encourage ethnically mixed schools.
China reiterated that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was a guiding document for the international community to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance. China appealed to the international community to implement the measures contained in the report of the Working Group and actively carry out measures to combat racism and racial discrimination. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should prioritize this fight in its work, allocate more resources to it and aim for tangible results.
Morocco said that the tenth session of the Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action allowed a fruitful debate on the role of politicians and political parties in combating racial discrimination and related intolerance. Morocco emphasised the need for politicians and political parties to take specific measures to promote tolerance and respect for human rights and diversity. Morocco was concerned by racist incidents during certain political rallies, where there were instances of hateful speech and xenophobia.
Cuba said that the full implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was still pending. Regrettably, discrimination continued in the world. Cuba noted with concern that in developed countries political parties and associations were on the rise with an anti-immigrant, xenophobic and racist nature. Cuba noted attacks against immigrants and anti-terrorist laws based on racist and xenophobic stereotypes that proliferated in the industrialised North.
Senegal said that the important themes being addressed, such as strengthening international and regional cooperation and the role of political leaders and parties, were extremely topical. Senegal highlighted the usefulness of deepening exchanges in the future on these topics and those addressed in other mechanisms of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It was clear that in the context of the economic crisis, which was used as an excuse, racial violence and xenophobia were exacerbated and required further vigilance from the international community.
Nigeria said that politicians and political parties could play an important role in combating discrimination and xenophobia. Political parties, therefore, should take concrete steps to promote tolerance and solidarity, and international sports events could be used for that purpose. Nigeria called on all States to take appropriate measures to ensure that the recommendations of the Durban Declaration would translate into concrete action.
Council of Europe said that it had launched a European campaign to combat hate speech on the internet and had used several international instruments in that regard. The Council of Europe had adopted a number of recommendations on hate speech in the media since 1997. Other bodies of the Council of Europe were also working to strengthen its legal framework for the fight against hate speech, and had published several reports and handbooks for political decision-makers in recent years.
United Nations Watch said that Iran was the perpetrator of horrendous crimes against individuals, who were kept as prisoners in inhuman conditions and suffered torture and cruel death. The Council should demand that Iran release immediately those prisoners.
Indian Council of South America said that indigenous persons were not allowed to freely express themselves in the United States. To this day they could not get freedom of expression because of corporate interference in their rights. This was also happening in South America and the Western hemisphere.
Organization for Defending Victims of Violence said that regretfully there was a new anti-Muslim wave. It was of the view that a culture of peace and inter-religious tolerance was under threat by extremists and by xenophobic speeches by politicians. It called upon the High Commissioner to set up an observatory in her Office aimed at monitoring and documenting acts inciting religious hatred and violence.
Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development was concerned by the situation of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar. The United Nations considered them amongst the most oppressed minorities around the world. It called for the halt of all acts of killings, displacement, evacuation and all forms of discrimination against the Rohingya.
Comité International pour le Respect et l’Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples, in a joint statement, said that it was regrettable that the French President had recently excluded the possibility of providing material and moral compensation for the trade in black people, in which France had played a central role.
International Humanist and Ethical Union said that 27 million persons around the world still lived in slavery, which was deeply rooted in the culture and religion of certain countries. Slavery was still widespread in Mauritania, for example, despite the country announcing measures to combat discrimination. Female slaves were sexually abused and slaves could be sold.
Centre for Inquiry said that caste discrimination was a form of structural discrimination based on race. It occurred in Nigeria, Yemen, Gambia, Japan and Korea, but it mainly affected the Dalits in the Indian subcontinent. India totally ignored the plight of the victims of caste discrimination perpetrated by higher caste Indians.
International Educational Development Inc. said that unfortunately there were no agreed upon indicators or elements to define racist regimes in the context of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. It made some suggestions, and hoped that the Special Rapporteur, the Council and the international community would properly evaluate racist and ethnic conflicts in light of humanitarian law.
International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations said that despite many resolutions by the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action received little priority by the Office of the High Commissioner. More than ever there was a need for a global mobilization campaign by the United Nations to recover lost ground.
International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists said that it was deeply concerned by the increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents occurring around the world. The phenomenon took both verbal and physical forms and the former was more insidious. It urged the Special Rapporteur to conduct country visits with the aim of reporting on such issues.
United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation said that Pakistan was blatantly committing racially motivated crimes against the Balluch people, whom officials were treating as racially inferior. The media in Pakistan routinely ridiculed the Balluch people, while the State failed to comply with the principles of the Durban Declaration.
World Muslim Congress said that Muslims were unlawfully detained by the United States in the Guantanamo Bay detention centre, while in other countries Muslims were being subjected to detentions and torture. President Obama had ordered target killings through drone attacks in Pakistan and Yemen.
Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy said that indigenous people of north eastern India were experiencing the worst kind of discrimination in their daily lives. Victims suffered not only physical assault but also social stigmatization. In that part of India rapists were typically members of the Indian armed forces.
Liberation said that racism as a fact of life had been known in Indian society for the last 3,000 years. All international instruments had failed to remove this cancer from the society. The Council had to consider the establishment of a Special Procedure on the condition of Dalits as well as the inhabitants of the north eastern Mongoloid territories of South Asia as they too had the right to live with dignity and honour.
International Buddhist Relief Organization said that Dalits were subject to untouchability and other forms of discrimination despite these being declared unlawful. The Human Rights Council had an important role to persuade the Government of India to abolish the caste system institution and promote social equality.
International Human Rights Association of American Minorities said that many countries in the West currently experienced false Islamophobia. An appeal was made to Governments and religious leaders across the globe to join hands to dispel from the minds of people the unjustified and baseless fear that painted the political and religious landscape across the world.
Right of Reply
Mauritania, speaking in a right of reply, said that the phenomenon of slavery had existed in many countries around the world. Mauritania had incriminated slavery through social programmes, and the non-governmental organization which spoke against Mauritania had provided false and politicized figures and had falsely claimed that Islam was promoting slavery when, in fact, Islam aimed to free the world of slavery.
For use of the information media; not an official record
HRC13/083E