World
Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related
Intolerance
Having
met in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 8 September 2001,
Expressing
deep appreciation to the Government of South Africa for hosting this World
Conference,
Drawing
inspiration from the heroic struggle of the people of South Africa against
the institutionalized system of apartheid, as well as for equality and justice
under democracy, development, the rule of law and respect for human rights,
recalling in this context the important contribution to that struggle of the
international community and, in particular, the pivotal role of the people and
Governments of Africa, and noting the important role that different actors of
civil society, including non-governmental organizations, played in that
struggle and in ongoing efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance,
Recalling
that the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference
on Human Rights in June 1993, calls for the speedy and comprehensive
elimination of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance,
Recalling
Commission on Human Rights resolution 1997/74 of 18 April 1997,
General Assembly resolution 52/111 of 12 December 1997 and
subsequent resolutions of those bodies concerning the convening of the World
Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related
Intolerance and recalling also the two World Conferences to Combat Racism and
Racial Discrimination, held in Geneva in 1978 and 1983, respectively,
Noting
with grave concern that despite the efforts of the international community,
the principal objectives of the three Decades to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
have not been attained and that countless human beings continue to the present
day to be victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance,
Recalling
that the year 2001 is the International Year of Mobilization against Racism,
Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, aimed at drawing the
world’s attention to the objectives of the World Conference and giving new
momentum to the political commitment to eliminate all forms of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
Welcoming
the decision of the General Assembly to proclaim the year 2001 as the United
Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, which underlines tolerance and
respect for diversity and the need to seek common ground among and within
civilizations in order to address common challenges to humanity that threaten
shared values, universal human rights and the fight against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, through cooperation, partnership
and inclusion,
Welcoming
also the proclamation by the General Assembly of the period 2001-2010 as
the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World,
as well as the adoption by the General Assembly of the Declaration and Plan of
Action on a Culture of Peace,
Recognizing
that the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and
Related Intolerance, in conjunction with the International Decade of the
World’s Indigenous People, presents a unique opportunity to consider the
invaluable contributions of indigenous peoples to political, economic, social,
cultural and spiritual development throughout the world to our societies, as
well as the challenges faced by them, including racism and racial discrimination,
Recalling
the United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples of 1960,
Reaffirming
our commitment to the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the
United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Affirming
that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
constitute a negation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the
United Nations,
Reaffirming
the principles of equality and non-discrimination in the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms for all without distinction of any kind such as race, colour, sex,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property,
birth or other status,
Convinced
of the fundamental importance of universal accession to or ratification of and
full implementation of our obligations arising under the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as the
principal international instrument to eliminate racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance,
Recognizing
the fundamental importance for States, in combating racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, to consider signing,
ratifying or acceding to all relevant international human rights instruments,
with a view to universal adherence,
Having
taken note of the reports of the regional conferences organized at
Strasbourg, Santiago, Dakar and Tehran and other inputs from States, as well as
the reports of expert seminars, non-governmental organization regional meetings
and other meetings organized in preparation for the World Conference,
Noting
with appreciation the Vision Statement launched by President
Thabo Mbeki of South Africa under the patronage of The Honourable
Nelson Mandela, first President of the new South Africa, and at the
initiative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and
Secretary‑General of the World Conference, and signed by
seventy-four heads of State, heads of Government and dignitaries,
Reaffirming
that cultural diversity is a cherished asset for the advancement and welfare of
humanity at large and should be valued, enjoyed, genuinely accepted and
embraced as a permanent feature which enriches our societies,
Acknowledging
that no derogation from the prohibition of racial discrimination, genocide, the
crime of apartheid and slavery is permitted, as defined in the obligations
under the relevant human rights instruments,
Having
listened to the peoples of the world and recognizing their aspirations to
justice, to equality of opportunity for all and everyone, to the enjoyment of
their human rights, including the right to development, to live in peace and
freedom and to equal participation without discrimination in economic, social,
cultural, civil and political life,
Recognizing
that the equal participation of all individuals and peoples in the formation of
just, equitable, democratic and inclusive societies can contribute to a world
free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
Emphasizing
the importance of the equitable participation of all, without any
discrimination, in domestic as well as global decision-making,
Affirming
that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, where
they amount to racism and racial discrimination, constitute serious violations
of and obstacles to the full enjoyment of all human rights and deny the self‑evident
truth that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, are
an obstacle to friendly and peaceful relations among peoples and nations, and
are among the root causes of many internal and international conflicts,
including armed conflicts, and the consequent forced displacement of
populations,
Recognizing
that national and international actions are required to combat racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in order to ensure the full
enjoyment of all human rights, economic, social, cultural, civil and political,
which are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and to
improve the living conditions of men, women and children of all nations,
Reaffirming
the importance of the enhancement of international cooperation for the
promotion and protection of human rights and for the achievement of the
objectives of the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance,
Acknowledging
that xenophobia, in its different manifestations, is one of the main
contemporary sources and forms of discrimination and conflict, combating which
requires urgent attention and prompt action by States, as well as by the
international community,
Fully
aware that, despite efforts undertaken by the international community,
Governments and local authorities, the scourge of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance persists and continues
to result in violations of human rights, suffering, disadvantage and violence,
which must be combated by all available and appropriate means and as a
matter of the highest priority, preferably in cooperation with affected
communities,
Noting
with concern the continued and violent occurrence of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and that theories of
superiority of certain races and cultures over others, promoted and practised
during the colonial era, continue to be propounded in one form or another even
today,
Alarmed
by the emergence and continued occurrence of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance in their more subtle and contemporary forms
and manifestations, as well as by other ideologies and practices based on
racial or ethnic discrimination or superiority,
Strongly
rejecting any doctrine of racial superiority, along with theories which
attempt to determine the existence of so-called distinct human races,
Recognizing
that failure to combat and denounce racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance by all, especially by public authorities and
politicians at all levels, is a factor encouraging their perpetuation,
Reaffirming
that States have the duty to protect and promote the human rights and
fundamental freedoms of all victims, and that they should apply a gender[1] perspective,
recognizing the multiple forms of discrimination which women can face, and that
the enjoyment of their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights
is essential for the development of societies throughout the world,
Recognizing
both the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly globalized
world in relation to the struggle to eradicate racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance,
Determined,
in an era when globalization and technology have contributed considerably to
bringing people together, to materialize the notion of a human family based on
equality, dignity and solidarity, and to make the twenty-first century a
century of human rights, the eradication of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance and the realization of genuine equality of
opportunity and treatment for all individuals and peoples,
Reaffirming
the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples and recalling
that all individuals are born equal in dignity and rights, stressing that such
equality must be protected as a matter of the highest priority and recognizing
the duty of States to take prompt, decisive and appropriate measures with a
view to eliminating all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance,
Dedicating
ourselves to combating the scourge of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance fully and effectively as a matter of
priority, while drawing lessons from manifestations and past experiences of
racism in all parts of the world with a view to avoiding their recurrence,
Joining
together in a spirit of renewed political will and commitment to universal
equality, justice and dignity, we salute the memory of all victims of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance all over the world
and solemnly adopt the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, [2]
1. We declare that for the purpose of
the present Declaration and Programme of Action, the victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are individuals or groups of
individuals who are or have been negatively affected by, subjected to, or
targets of these scourges;
2. We
recognize that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance occur on the grounds of race, colour, descent or national or ethnic
origin and that victims can suffer multiple or aggravated forms of
discrimination based on other related grounds such as sex, language, religion,
political or other opinion, social origin, property, birth or other status;
3. We
recognize and affirm that, at the outset of the third millennium, a global
fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
and all their abhorrent and evolving forms and manifestations is a matter of
priority for the international community, and that this Conference offers a
unique and historic opportunity for assessing and identifying all dimensions of
those devastating evils of humanity with a view to their total elimination
through, inter alia, the initiation of innovative and holistic
approaches and the strengthening and enhancement of practical and effective
measures at the national, regional and international levels;
4. We
express our solidarity with the people of Africa in their continuing struggle
against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and
recognize the sacrifices made by them, as well as their efforts in raising
international public awareness of these inhuman tragedies;
5. We
also affirm the great importance we attach to the values of solidarity,
respect, tolerance and multiculturalism, which constitute the moral ground and
inspiration for our worldwide struggle against racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, inhuman tragedies which have affected
people throughout the world, especially in Africa, for too long;
6. We
further affirm that all peoples and individuals constitute one human family,
rich in diversity. They have contributed
to the progress of civilizations and cultures that form the common heritage of
humanity. Preservation and
promotion of tolerance, pluralism and respect for diversity can produce more
inclusive societies;
7. We
declare that all human beings are born free, equal in dignity and rights and
have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and
well-being of their societies. Any
doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable,
socially unjust and dangerous, and must be rejected along with theories which
attempt to determine the existence of separate human races;
8. We
recognize that religion, spirituality and belief play a central role in the
lives of millions of women and men, and in the way they live and treat other
persons. Religion,
spirituality and belief may and can contribute to the promotion of the
inherent dignity and worth of the human person and to the eradication of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
9. We
note with concern that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance may be aggravated by, inter alia, inequitable distribution
of wealth, marginalization and social exclusion;
10. We
reaffirm that everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which
all human rights can be fully realized for all, without any discrimination;
11. We
note that the process of globalization constitutes a powerful and dynamic force
which should be harnessed for the benefit, development and prosperity of all
countries, without exclusion. We
recognize that developing countries face special difficulties in responding to
this central challenge. While globalization
offers great opportunities, at present its benefits are very unevenly shared,
while its costs are unevenly distributed.
We thus express our determination to prevent and mitigate the negative
effects of globalization. These
effects could aggravate, inter alia, poverty, underdevelopment,
marginalization, social exclusion, cultural homogenization and economic
disparities which may occur along racial lines, within and between States, and
have an adverse impact. We further
express our determination to maximize the benefits of globalization through, inter alia,
the strengthening and enhancement of international cooperation to increase
equality of opportunities for trade, economic growth and sustainable
development, global communications through the use of new technologies and
increased intercultural exchange through the preservation and promotion of
cultural diversity, which can contribute to the eradication of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Only through broad and sustained efforts to create a shared
future based upon our common humanity, and all its diversity, can globalization
be made fully inclusive and equitable;
12. We
recognize that interregional and intraregional migration has increased as a
result of globalization, in particular from the South to the North, and
stress that policies towards migration should not be based on racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
13. We
acknowledge that slavery and the slave trade, including the transatlantic slave
trade, were appalling tragedies in the history of humanity not only because of
their abhorrent barbarism but also in terms of their magnitude, organized
nature and especially their negation of the essence of the victims, and further
acknowledge that slavery and the slave trade are a crime against humanity and
should always have been so, especially the transatlantic slave trade and are
among the major sources and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, and that Africans and people of African
descent, Asians and people of Asian descent and indigenous peoples were victims
of these acts and continue to be victims of their consequences;
14. We
recognize that colonialism has led to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, and that Africans and people of African descent, and
people of Asian descent and indigenous peoples were victims of colonialism and
continue to be victims of its consequences. We acknowledge the suffering caused by colonialism and
affirm that, wherever and whenever it occurred, it must be condemned and its
reoccurrence prevented. We further
regret that the effects and persistence of these structures and practices have
been among the factors contributing to lasting social and economic inequalities
in many parts of the world today;
15. We
recognize that apartheid and genocide in terms of international law constitute
crimes against humanity and are major sources and manifestations of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and acknowledge the
untold evil and suffering caused by these acts and affirm that wherever and
whenever they occurred, they must be condemned and their recurrence prevented;
16. We
recognize that xenophobia against non-nationals, particularly migrants,
refugees and asylum-seekers, constitutes one of the main sources of
contemporary racism and that human rights violations against members of such
groups occur widely in the context of discriminatory, xenophobic and racist
practices;
17. We
note the importance of paying special attention to new manifestations of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to which
youth and other vulnerable groups might be exposed;
18. We
emphasize that poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion
and economic disparities are closely associated with racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and contribute to the
persistence of racist attitudes and practices which in turn generate more
poverty;
19. We
recognize the negative economic, social and cultural consequences of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, which have
contributed significantly to the underdevelopment of developing countries and,
in particular, of Africa and resolve to free every man, woman and child from
the abject and dehumanizing conditions of extreme poverty to which more than
one billion of them are currently subjected, to make the right to development a
reality for everyone and to free the entire human race from want;
20. We
recognize that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance are among the root causes of armed conflict and very often one
of its consequences and recall that non-discrimination is a fundamental
principle of international humanitarian law. We underscore the need for all parties to armed
conflicts to abide scrupulously by this principle and for States and the
international community to remain especially vigilant during periods of
armed conflict and continue to combat all forms of racial discrimination;
21. We
express our deep concern that socio-economic development is being hampered by
widespread internal conflicts which are due, among other causes, to gross
violations of human rights, including those arising from racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and from lack of
democratic, inclusive and participatory governance;
22. We
express our concern that in some States political and legal structures or
institutions, some of which were inherited and persist today, do not correspond
to the multi‑ethnic, pluricultural and plurilingual characteristics of the
population and, in many cases, constitute an important factor of discrimination
in the exclusion of indigenous peoples;
23. We
fully recognize the rights of indigenous peoples consistent with the principles
of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and therefore stress the
need to adopt the appropriate constitutional, administrative, legislative and
judicial measures, including those derived from applicable international
instruments;
24. We
declare that the use of the term “indigenous peoples” in the Declaration and
Programme of Action of the World Conference against Racism, Racial
Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance is in the context of, and
without prejudice to the outcome of, ongoing international negotiations on
texts that specifically deal with this issue, and cannot be construed as having
any implications as to rights under international law;
25. We
express our profound repudiation of the racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance that persist in some States in the
functioning of the penal systems and in the application of the law, as well as
in the actions and attitudes of institutions and individuals responsible for
law enforcement, especially where this has contributed to certain groups being
over-represented among persons under detention or imprisoned;
26. We
affirm the need to put an end to impunity for violations of the human rights
and fundamental freedoms of individuals and groups of individuals who are
victimized by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
27. We
express our concern that, beyond the fact that racism is gaining ground,
contemporary forms and manifestations of racism and xenophobia are striving to
regain political, moral and even legal recognition in many ways, including
through the platforms of some political parties and organizations and the
dissemination through modern communication technologies of ideas based on the
notion of racial superiority;
28. We
recall that persecution against any identifiable group, collectivity or
community on racial, national, ethnic or other grounds that are universally
recognized as impermissible under international law, as well as the crime of
apartheid, constitute serious violations of human rights and, in some cases,
qualify as crimes against humanity;
29. We
strongly condemn the fact that slavery and slavery-like practices still exist
today in parts of the world and urge States to take immediate measures as a
matter of priority to end such practices, which constitute flagrant violations
of human rights;
30. We
affirm the urgent need to prevent, combat and eliminate all forms of
trafficking in persons, in particular women and children, and recognize that
victims of trafficking are particularly exposed to racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
31. We
also express our deep concern whenever indicators in the fields of, inter
alia, education, employment, health, housing, infant mortality and
life expectancy for many peoples show a situation of disadvantage, particularly
where the contributing factors include racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related
intolerance;
32. We
recognize the value and diversity of the cultural heritage of Africans and
people of African descent and affirm the importance and necessity of ensuring
their full integration into social, economic and political life with a view to
facilitating their full participation at all levels in the decision-making
process;
33. We
consider it essential for all countries in the region of the Americas and all
other areas of the African Diaspora to recognize the existence of their
population of African descent and the cultural, economic, political and
scientific contributions made by that population, and recognize the persistence
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance that
specifically affect them, and recognize that, in many countries, their long‑standing
inequality in terms of access to, inter alia, education, health care and
housing has been a profound cause of the socio-economic disparities that affect
them;
34. We
recognize that people of African descent have for centuries been victims of
racism, racial discrimination and enslavement and of the denial by history of many
of their rights, and assert that they should be treated with fairness and
respect for their dignity and should not suffer discrimination of any
kind. Recognition should therefore
be given to their rights to culture and their own identity; to participate
freely and in equal conditions in political, social, economic and cultural
life; to development in the context of their own aspirations and customs; to
keep, maintain and foster their own forms of organization, their mode of life,
culture, traditions and religious expressions; to maintain and use their own
languages; to the protection of their traditional knowledge and their cultural
and artistic heritage; to the use, enjoyment and conservation of the natural
renewable resources of their habitat and to active participation in the design,
implementation and development of educational systems and programmes, including
those of a specific and characteristic nature; and where applicable to their
ancestrally inhabited land;
35. We
recognize that in many parts of the world, Africans and people of African
descent face barriers as a result of social biases and discrimination
prevailing in public and private institutions and express our commitment to
work towards the eradication of all forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance faced by Africans and people of African
descent;
36. We
recognize that in many parts of the world, Asians and people of Asian descent
face barriers as a result of social biases and discrimination prevailing in
public and private
institutions and express our commitment to work towards the eradication
of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance faced by Asians and people of Asian descent;
37. We
note with appreciation that despite the racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance faced by them for centuries, people of Asian
descent have contributed and continue to contribute significantly to the
economic, social, political, scientific and cultural life of the countries
where they live;
38. We
call upon all States to review and, where necessary, revise any immigration
policies which are inconsistent with international human rights instruments,
with a view to eliminating all discriminatory policies and practices against
migrants, including Asians and people of Asian descent;
39. We
recognize that the indigenous peoples have been victims of discrimination for
centuries and affirm that they are free and equal in dignity and rights and
should not suffer any discrimination, particularly on the basis of their
indigenous origin and identity, and we stress the continuing need for action to
overcome the persistent racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance that affect them;
40. We
recognize the value and diversity of the cultures and the heritage of
indigenous peoples, whose singular contribution to the development and cultural
pluralism of society and full participation in all aspects of society, in
particular on issues that are of concern to them, are fundamental for political
and social stability, and for the development of the States in which they live;
41. We
reiterate our conviction that the full realization by indigenous peoples of
their human rights and fundamental freedoms is indispensable for eliminating
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We firmly reiterate our determination
to promote their full and equal enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social
and cultural rights, as well as the benefits of sustainable development, while
fully respecting their distinctive characteristics and their own initiatives;
42. We
emphasize that, in order for indigenous peoples freely to express their own
identity and exercise their rights, they should be free from all forms of
discrimination, which necessarily entails respect for their human rights and
fundamental freedoms. Efforts are
now being made to secure universal recognition for those rights in the
negotiations on the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples,
including the following: to call
themselves by their own names; to participate freely and on an equal footing in
their country’s political, economic, social and cultural development; to
maintain their own forms of organization, lifestyles, cultures and traditions;
to maintain and use their own languages; to maintain their own economic
structures in the areas where they live; to take part in the development of
their educational systems and programmes; to manage their lands and natural
resources, including hunting and fishing rights; and to have access to justice
on a basis of equality;
43. We
also recognize the special relationship that indigenous peoples have with the
land as the basis for their spiritual, physical and cultural existence and
encourage States, wherever possible, to ensure that indigenous peoples are able
to retain ownership of their lands and of those natural resources to which they
are entitled under domestic law;
44. We
welcome the decision to create the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues within
the United Nations system, giving concrete expression to major objectives of
the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People and the Vienna
Declaration and Programme of Action;
45. We
welcome the appointment by the United Nations of the Special Rapporteur on the
situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people and
express our commitment to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur;
46. We
recognize the positive economic, social and cultural contributions made by
migrants to both countries of origin and destination;
47. We
reaffirm the sovereign right of each State to formulate and apply its own legal
framework and policies for migration, and further affirm that these policies should
be consistent with applicable human rights instruments, norms and standards,
and designed to ensure that they are free of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
48. We
note with concern and strongly condemn the manifestations and acts of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against migrants and
the stereotypes often applied to them; reaffirm the responsibility of States to
protect the human rights of migrants under their jurisdiction and reaffirm the
responsibility of States to safeguard and protect migrants against illegal or
violent acts, in particular acts of racial discrimination and crimes
perpetrated with racist or xenophobic motivation by individuals or groups; and stress the need for their fair, just and equitable treatment in
society and in the workplace;
49. We
highlight the importance of creating conditions conducive to greater harmony,
tolerance and respect between migrants and the rest of society in the countries
in which they find themselves, in order to eliminate manifestations of racism
and xenophobia against migrants.
We underline that family reunification has a positive effect on
integration and emphasize the need for States to facilitate family reunion;
50. We
are mindful of the situation of vulnerability in which migrants frequently find
themselves, owing, inter alia, to their departure from their countries
of origin and to the difficulties they encounter because of differences in
language, customs and culture, as well as economic and social difficulties and
obstacles to the return of migrants who are undocumented or in an irregular
situation;
51. We
reaffirm the necessity of eliminating racial discrimination against migrants,
including migrant workers, in relation to issues such as employment, social
services, including education and health, as well as access to justice, and
that their treatment must be in accordance with international human rights
instruments, free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
52. We
note with concern that, among other factors, racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance contribute to forced displacement and the
movement of people from their countries of origin as refugees and asylum-seekers;
53. We
recognize with concern that, despite efforts to combat racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, instances of various forms
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against
refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons, among others,
continue;
54. We
underline the urgency of addressing the root causes of displacement and of
finding durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, in particular
voluntary return in safety and dignity to the countries of origin, as well as
resettlement in third countries and local integration, when and where
appropriate and feasible;
55. We
affirm our commitment to respect and implement humanitarian obligations
relating to the protection of refugees, asylum-seekers, returnees and
internally displaced persons, and note in this regard the importance of
international solidarity, burden-sharing and international cooperation to share
responsibility for the protection of refugees, reaffirming that the 1951
Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol remain the
foundation of the international refugee regime and recognizing the importance
of their full application by States parties;
56. We
recognize the presence in many countries of a Mestizo population of mixed
ethnic and racial origins and its valuable contribution to the promotion of
tolerance and respect in these societies, and we condemn discrimination against
them, especially because such discrimination may be denied owing to its subtle
nature;
57. We
are conscious of the fact that the history of humanity is replete with major
atrocities as a result of gross violations of human rights and believe that
lessons can be learned through remembering history to avert future tragedies;
58. We
recall that the Holocaust must never be forgotten;
59. We
recognize with deep concern religious intolerance against certain religious
communities, as well as the emergence of hostile acts and violence against such
communities because of their religious beliefs and their racial or ethnic
origin in various parts of the world which in particular limit their right to
freely practise their belief;
60. We
also recognize with deep concern the existence in various parts of the world of
religious intolerance against religious communities and their members, in
particular limitation of their right to practise their beliefs freely, as well
as the emergence of increased negative stereotyping, hostile acts and violence
against such communities because of their religious beliefs and their ethnic or
so-called racial origin;
61. We
recognize with deep concern the increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in
various parts of the world, as well as the emergence of racial and violent
movements based on racism and discriminatory ideas against Jewish, Muslim and
Arab communities;
62. We
are conscious that humanity’s history is replete with terrible wrongs inflicted
through lack of respect for the equality of human beings and note with alarm
the increase of such practices in various parts of the world, and we urge
people, particularly in conflict situations, to desist from racist incitement,
derogatory language and negative stereotyping;
63. We
are concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people under foreign
occupation. We recognize the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to
self-determination and to the establishment of an independent State and we
recognize the right to security for all States in the region, including Israel,
and call upon all States to support the peace process and bring it to an early
conclusion;
64. We
call for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region in which all
peoples shall co-exist and enjoy equality, justice and internationally
recognized human rights, and security;
65. We
recognize the right of refugees to return voluntarily to their homes and
properties in dignity and safety, and urge all States to facilitate such
return;
66. We
affirm that the ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious identity of
minorities, where they exist, must be protected and that persons belonging to
such minorities should be treated equally and enjoy their human rights and
fundamental freedoms without discrimination of any kind;
67. We
recognize that members of certain groups with a distinct cultural identity face
barriers arising from a complex interplay of ethnic, religious and other
factors, as well as their traditions and customs, and call upon States to
ensure that measures, policies and programmes aimed at eradicating racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance address the barriers
that this interplay of factors creates;
68. We
recognize with deep concern the ongoing manifestations of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including violence, against
Roma/Gypsies/Sinti/Travellers and recognize the need to develop effective
policies and implementation mechanisms for their full achievement of equality;
69. We
are convinced that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance reveal themselves in a differentiated manner for women and girls,
and can be among the factors leading to a deterioration in their living
conditions, poverty, violence, multiple forms of discrimination, and the limitation
or denial of their human rights.
We recognize the need to integrate a gender perspective into relevant
policies, strategies and programmes of action against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in order to address multiple
forms of discrimination;
70. We
recognize the need to develop a more systematic and consistent approach to
evaluating and monitoring racial discrimination against women, as well as the
disadvantages, obstacles and difficulties women face in the full exercise and
enjoyment of their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights
because of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
71. We
deplore attempts to oblige women belonging to certain faiths and religious
minorities to forego their cultural and religious identity, or to restrict
their legitimate expression, or to discriminate against them with regard to
opportunities for education and employment;
72. We
note with concern the large number of children and young people, particularly
girls, among the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance and stress the need to incorporate special measures, in
accordance with the principle of the best interests of the child and respect
for his or her views, in programmes to combat racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, in order to give priority attention to the
rights and the situation of children and young people who are victims of these
practices;
73. We
recognize that a child belonging to an ethnic, religious or linguistic minority
or who is indigenous shall not be denied the right, individually or in
community with other members of his or her group, to enjoy his or her own
culture, to profess and practise his or her own religion, or to use his or her
own language;
74. We
recognize that child labour is linked to poverty, lack of development and
related socio-economic conditions and could in some cases perpetuate poverty
and racial discrimination by disproportionately denying children from affected
groups the opportunity to acquire the human capabilities needed in productive
life and to benefit from economic growth;
75. We
note with deep concern the fact that, in many countries, people infected or
affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as those who are presumed to be infected, belong
to groups vulnerable to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, which has a negative impact and impedes their access to health
care and medication;
76. We
recognize that inequitable political, economic, cultural and social conditions
can breed and foster racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, which in turn exacerbate the inequity. We believe that genuine equality of opportunity for all, in
all spheres, including that for development, is fundamental for the eradication
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
77. We
affirm that universal adherence to and full implementation of the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination are of
paramount importance for promoting equality and non-discrimination in the
world;
78. We
affirm the solemn commitment of all States to promote universal respect for,
and observance and protection of, all human rights, economic, social, cultural,
civil and political, including the right to development, as a fundamental
factor in the prevention and elimination of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
79. We
firmly believe that the obstacles to overcoming racial discrimination and
achieving racial equality mainly lie in the lack of political will, weak
legislation and lack of implementation strategies and concrete action by
States, as well as the prevalence of racist attitudes and negative
stereotyping;
80. We
firmly believe that education, development and the faithful implementation of
all international human rights norms and obligations, including enactment of
laws and political, social and economic policies, are crucial to combat racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
81. We
recognize that democracy, transparent, responsible, accountable and
participatory governance responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people,
and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are
essential for the effective prevention and elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. We reaffirm that any form of impunity for crimes motivated
by racist and xenophobic attitudes plays a role in weakening the rule of law
and democracy and tends to encourage the recurrence of such acts;
82. We
affirm that the Dialogue among Civilizations constitutes a process to attain
identification and promotion of common grounds among civilizations, recognition
and promotion of the inherent dignity and of the equal rights of all human
beings and respect for fundamental principles of justice; in this way, it can
dispel notions of cultural superiority based on racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, and facilitate the building of a reconciled
world for the human family;
83. We
underline the key role that political leaders and political parties can and
ought to play in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance and encourage political parties to take concrete steps to
promote solidarity, tolerance and respect;
84. We
condemn the persistence and resurgence of neo-Nazism, neo-Fascism and violent
nationalist ideologies based on racial or national prejudice, and state that
these phenomena can never be justified in any instance or in any circumstances;
85. We
condemn political platforms and organizations based on racism, xenophobia or
doctrines of racial superiority and related discrimination, as well as
legislation and practices based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, as incompatible with democracy and transparent and
accountable governance. We
reaffirm that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
condoned by governmental policies violate human rights and may endanger
friendly relations among peoples, cooperation among nations and international
peace and security;
86. We
recall that the dissemination of all ideas based upon racial superiority or
hatred shall be declared an offence punishable by law with due regard to the
principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights
expressly set forth in article 5 of the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;
87. We
note that article 4, paragraph b, of the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination places an obligation upon
States to be vigilant and to proceed against organizations that disseminate
ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, acts of violence or incitement to
such acts. These organizations
shall be condemned and discouraged;
88. We
recognize that the media should represent the diversity of a multicultural
society and play a role in fighting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance. In this
regard we draw attention to the power of advertising;
89. We
note with regret that certain media, by promoting false images and negative
stereotypes of vulnerable individuals or groups of individuals, particularly of
migrants and refugees, have contributed to the spread of xenophobic and racist
sentiments among the public and in some cases have encouraged violence by
racist individuals and groups;
90. We
recognize the positive contribution that the exercise of the right to freedom
of expression, particularly by the media and new technologies, including the
Internet, and full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart
information can make to the fight against racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance; we reiterate the need to respect the
editorial independence and autonomy of the media in this regard;
91. We
express deep concern about the use of new information technologies, such as the
Internet, for purposes contrary to respect for human values, equality,
non-discrimination, respect for others and tolerance, including to propagate
racism, racial hatred, xenophobia, racial discrimination and related
intolerance, and that, in particular, children and youth having access to this
material could be negatively influenced by it;
92. We
also recognize the need to promote the use of new information and communication
technologies, including the Internet, to contribute to the fight against
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; new
technologies can assist the promotion of tolerance and respect for human
dignity, and the principles of equality and non‑discrimination;
93. We
affirm that all States should recognize the
importance of community media that give a voice to victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
94. We
reaffirm that the stigmatization of people of different origins by acts or
omissions of public authorities, institutions, the media, political parties or
national or local organizations is not only an act of racial discrimination but
can also incite the recurrence of such acts, thereby resulting in the creation
of a vicious circle which reinforces racist attitudes and prejudices, and which
must be condemned;
95. We
recognize that education at all levels and all ages, including within the
family, in particular human rights education, is a key to changing attitudes
and behaviour based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance and to promoting tolerance and respect for diversity in societies;
we further affirm that such education is a determining factor in
the promotion, dissemination and protection of the democratic values of
justice and equity, which are essential to prevent and combat the spread of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
96. We
recognize that quality education, the elimination of illiteracy and access to
free primary education for all can contribute to more inclusive societies,
equity, stable and harmonious relations and friendship among nations, peoples,
groups and individuals, and a culture of peace, fostering mutual understanding,
solidarity, social justice and respect for all human rights for all;
97. We
underline the links between the right to education and the struggle against
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the
essential role of education, including human rights education and education
which is sensitive to and respects cultural diversity, especially amongst
children and young people, in the prevention and eradication of all forms of
intolerance and discrimination;
98. We
emphasize the importance and necessity of teaching about the facts and truth of
the history of humankind from antiquity to the recent past, as well as of
teaching about the facts and truth of the history, causes, nature and
consequences of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, with a view to achieving a comprehensive and objective cognizance
of the tragedies of the past;
99. We
acknowledge and profoundly regret the massive human suffering and the tragic
plight of millions of men, women and children caused by slavery, the slave
trade, the transatlantic slave trade, apartheid, colonialism and genocide, and
call upon States concerned to honour the memory of the victims of past
tragedies and affirm that, wherever and whenever these occurred, they must be
condemned and their recurrence prevented.
We regret that these practices and structures, political, socio-economic
and cultural, have led to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
100. We
acknowledge and profoundly regret the untold suffering and evils inflicted on
millions of men, women and children as a result of slavery, the slave trade,
the transatlantic slave trade, apartheid, genocide and past tragedies. We further note that some States have
taken the initiative to apologize and have paid reparation, where appropriate,
for grave and massive violations committed;
101. With
a view to closing those dark chapters in history and as a means of reconciliation
and healing, we invite the international community and its members to honour
the memory of the victims of these tragedies. We further note that some have taken the initiative of
regretting or expressing remorse or presenting apologies, and call on all those
who have not yet contributed to restoring the dignity of the victims to find
appropriate ways to do so and, to this end, appreciate those countries that
have done so;
102. We
are aware of the moral obligation on the part of all concerned States and call
upon these States to take appropriate and effective measures to halt and
reverse the lasting consequences of those practices;
103. We
recognize the consequences of past and contemporary forms of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as serious challenges to
global peace and security, human dignity and the realization of human rights
and fundamental freedoms of many people in the world, in particular Africans,
people of African descent, people of Asian descent and indigenous peoples;
104. We
also strongly reaffirm as a pressing requirement of justice that victims of
human rights violations resulting from racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, especially in the light of their vulnerable
situation socially, culturally and economically, should be assured of having
access to justice, including legal assistance where appropriate, and effective
and appropriate protection and remedies, including the right to seek just and
adequate reparation or satisfaction for any damage suffered as a result of
such discrimination, as enshrined in numerous international and regional
human rights instruments, in particular the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination;
105. Guided
by the principles set out in the Millennium Declaration and the recognition
that we have a collective responsibility to uphold the principles of human
dignity, equality and equity and to ensure that globalization becomes a
positive force for all the world’s people, the international community commits
itself to working for the beneficial integration of the developing countries
into the global economy, resisting their marginalization, determined to achieve
accelerated economic growth and sustainable development and to eradicate
poverty, inequality and deprivation;
106. We
emphasize that remembering the crimes or wrongs of the past, wherever and
whenever they occurred, unequivocally condemning its racist tragedies and
telling the truth about history are essential elements for international
reconciliation and the creation of societies based on justice, equality and
solidarity;
107. We
underscore the need to design, promote and implement at the national, regional
and international levels strategies, programmes and policies, and adequate
legislation, which may include special and positive measures, for furthering
equal social development and the realization of the civil and political,
economic, social and cultural rights of all victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including through more
effective access to the political, judicial and administrative institutions, as
well as the need to promote effective access to justice, as well as to
guarantee that the benefits of development, science and technology contribute
effectively to the improvement of the quality of life for all, without
discrimination;
108. We
recognize the necessity for special measures or positive actions for the victims
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in order
to promote their full integration into society. Those measures for effective action, including social
measures, should aim at correcting the conditions that impair the enjoyment of
rights and the introduction of special measures to encourage equal
participation of all racial and cultural, linguistic and religious groups in
all sectors of society and to bring all onto an equal footing. Those measures should include measures
to achieve appropriate representation in educational institutions, housing,
political parties, parliaments and employment, especially in the judiciary,
police, army and other civil services, which in some cases might involve
electoral reforms, land reforms and campaigns for equal participation;
109. We
recall the importance of enhancing international cooperation to promote
(a) the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance; (b) the effective implementation by States of
international treaties and instruments that forbid these practices;
(c) the goals of the Charter of the United Nations in this regard; (d) the
achievement of the goals established by the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the World
Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna in 1993, the International
Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994, the
World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen in 1995, the Fourth
World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, the United Nations
Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) held in Istanbul in
1996; and the World Food Summit held in Rome in 1996, making sure that
such goals encompass with equity all the victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
110. We
recognize the importance of cooperation among States, relevant international
and regional organizations, the international financial institutions,
non-governmental organizations and individuals in the worldwide fight against
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and that
success in this fight requires specifically taking into consideration the
grievances, opinions and demands of the victims of such discrimination;
111. We
reiterate that the international response and policy, including financial
assistance, towards refugees and displaced persons in different parts of the
world should not be based on discrimination on the grounds of race, colour,
descent, or national or ethnic origin of the refugees and displaced persons
concerned and, in this context, we urge the international community to provide
adequate assistance on an equitable basis to host countries, in particular to
host developing countries and countries in transition;
112. We
recognize the importance of independent national human rights institutions
conforming to the Principles relating to the status of national institutions
for the promotion and protection of human rights, annexed to General
Assembly resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993, and other
relevant specialized institutions created by law for the promotion and
protection of human rights, including ombudsman institutions, in the struggle
against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as
well as for the promotion of democratic values and the rule of law. We encourage States, as appropriate, to
establish such institutions and call upon the authorities and society in general
in those countries where they are performing their tasks of promotion,
protection and prevention to cooperate to the maximum extent possible with
these institutions, while respecting their independence;
113. We
recognize the important role relevant regional bodies, including regional
associations of national human rights institutions, can play in combating
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and the key
role they can play in monitoring and raising awareness about intolerance and
discrimination at the regional level, and reaffirm support for such bodies
where they exist and encourage their establishment;
114. We
recognize the paramount role of parliaments in the fight against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in adopting appropriate legislation,
overseeing its implementation and allocating the requisite financial resources;
115. We
stress the importance of involving social
partners and other non-governmental organizations in the design and
implementation of training and development programmes;
116. We
recognize the fundamental role of civil society in the fight against racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in particular in
assisting States to develop regulations and strategies, in taking measures and
action against such forms of discrimination and through follow-up
implementation;
117. We
also recognize that promoting greater
respect and trust among different groups within society must be a shared but
differentiated responsibility of government institutions, political leaders,
grass-roots organizations and citizens.
We underline that civil society plays an important role in promoting the
public interest, especially in combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
118. We
welcome the catalytic role that non-governmental organizations play in
promoting human rights education and raising awareness about racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. They can also play an important role in raising awareness of
such issues in the relevant bodies of the United Nations, based upon their
national, regional or international experiences. Bearing in mind the difficulties they face, we commit
ourselves to creating an atmosphere conducive to the effective functioning of
human rights non-governmental organizations, in particular anti-racist
non-governmental organizations, in combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance.
We recognize the precarious situation of human rights non-governmental
organizations, including anti-racist non-governmental organizations, in many
parts of the world and express our commitment to adhere to our international
obligations and to lift any unlawful barriers to their effective functioning;
119. We
encourage the full participation of non-governmental organizations in the
follow-up to the World Conference;
120. We
recognize that international and national exchange and dialogue, and the
development of a global network among youth, are important and fundamental
elements in building intercultural understanding and respect, and will
contribute to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance;
121. We
underline the usefulness of involving youth in the development of forward‑looking
national, regional and international strategies and in policies to fight
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
122. We
affirm that our global drive for the total elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance is undertaken, and that the
recommendations contained in the Programme of Action are made, in a spirit of
solidarity and international cooperation and are inspired by the purposes and
principles of the Charter of the United Nations and other relevant
international instruments. These
recommendations are made with due consideration for the past, the present and
the future, and with a constructive and forward‑looking approach. We recognize that the formulation and
implementation of these strategies, policies, programmes and actions, which
should be carried out efficiently and promptly, are the responsibility of all
States, with the full involvement of civil society at the national, regional
and international levels.
Recognizing
the urgent need to translate the objectives of the Declaration into a practical
and workable Programme of Action, the World Conference against Racism, Racial
Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance:
1. Urges
States in their national efforts, and in cooperation with other States,
regional and international organizations and financial institutions, to promote
the use of public and private investment in consultation with the affected
communities in order to eradicate poverty, particularly in those areas in which
victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
predominantly live;
2. Urges
States to take all necessary and appropriate measures to end enslavement and
contemporary forms of slavery-like practices, to initiate constructive dialogue
among States and implement measures with a view to correcting the problems and
the damage resulting therefrom;
3. Urges
States to work nationally and in cooperation with other States and relevant
regional and international organizations and programmes to strengthen national
mechanisms to promote and protect the human rights of victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance who are infected, or
presumably infected, with pandemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS and to take
concrete measures, including preventive action, appropriate access to
medication and treatment, programmes of education, training and mass media
dissemination, to eliminate violence, stigmatization, discrimination,
unemployment and other negative consequences arising from these pandemics;
4. Urges
States to facilitate the participation of people of African descent in all
political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society and in the
advancement and economic development of their countries, and to promote a
greater knowledge of and respect for their heritage and culture;
5. Requests
States, supported by international cooperation as appropriate, to consider positively
concentrating additional investments in health‑care systems, education, public
health, electricity, drinking water and environmental control, as well as other
affirmative or positive action initiatives, in communities of primarily African
descent;
6. Calls
upon the United Nations, international financial and development
institutions and other appropriate international mechanisms to develop
capacity-building programmes intended for Africans and people of African
descent in the Americas and around the world;
7. Requests
the Commission on Human Rights to consider establishing a working group or
other mechanism of the United Nations to study the problems of racial
discrimination faced by people of African descent living in the African
Diaspora and make proposals for the elimination of racial discrimination
against people of African descent;
8. Urges
financial and development institutions and the operational programmes and
specialized agencies of the United Nations, in accordance with their regular budgets
and the procedures of their governing bodies:
(a) To
assign particular priority, and allocate sufficient funding, within their areas
of competence and budgets, to improving the situation of Africans and people of
African descent, while devoting special attention to the needs of these
populations in developing countries, inter alia through the
preparation of specific programmes of action;
(b) To
carry out special projects, through appropriate channels and in collaboration
with Africans and people of African descent, to support their initiatives at
the community level and to facilitate the exchange of information and technical
know‑how between these populations and experts in these areas;
(c) To
develop programmes intended for people of African descent allocating additional
investments to health systems, education, housing, electricity, drinking water
and environmental control measures and promoting equal opportunities in
employment, as well as other affirmative or positive action initiatives;
9. Requests
States to increase public actions and policies in favour of women and young
males of African descent, given that racism affects them more deeply, placing
them in a more marginalized and disadvantaged situation;
10. Urges
States to ensure access to education and promote access to new technologies
that would offer Africans and people of African descent, in particular women
and children, adequate resources for education, technological development and
long‑distance learning in local communities, and further urges States to
promote the full and accurate inclusion of the history and contribution of
Africans and people of African descent in the education curriculum;
11. Encourages
States to identify factors which prevent equal access to, and the equitable
presence of, people of African descent at all levels of the public sector,
including the public service, and in particular the administration of justice,
and to take appropriate measures to remove the obstacles identified and also to
encourage the private sector to promote equal access to, and the equitable
presence of, people of African descent at all levels within their
organizations;
12. Calls
upon States to take specific steps to ensure full and effective access to
the justice system for all individuals, particularly those of
African descent;
13. Urges
States, in accordance with international human rights standards and their
respective domestic legal framework, to resolve problems of ownership of
ancestral lands inhabited for generations by people of African descent and to
promote the productive utilization of land and the comprehensive development of
these communities, respecting their culture and their specific forms of
decision‑making;
14. Urges
States to recognize the particularly severe problems of religious prejudice and
intolerance that many people of African descent experience and to implement
policies and measures that are designed to prevent and eliminate all such
discrimination on the basis of religion and belief, which, when combined with
certain other forms of discrimination, constitutes a form of multiple
discrimination;
15. Urges
States:
(a) To
adopt or continue to apply, in concert with them, constitutional,
administrative, legislative, judicial and all necessary measures to promote,
protect and ensure the enjoyment by indigenous peoples of their rights, as well
as to guarantee them the exercise of their human rights and fundamental
freedoms on the basis of equality, non-discrimination and full and free participation
in all areas of society, in particular in matters affecting or concerning their
interests;
(b) To
promote better knowledge of and respect for indigenous cultures and heritage;
and welcomes measures already taken by States in these respects;
16. Urges
States to work with indigenous peoples to stimulate their access to economic
activities and increase their level of employment, where appropriate, through
the establishment, acquisition or expansion by indigenous peoples of
enterprises, and the implementation of measures such as training, the provision
of technical assistance and credit facilities;
17. Urges
States to work with indigenous peoples to establish and implement programmes
that provide access to training and services that could benefit the development
of their communities;
18. Requests
States to adopt public policies and give impetus to programmes on behalf of and
in concert with indigenous women and girls, with a view to promoting their
civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights; to putting an end to
their situation of disadvantage for reasons of gender and ethnicity; to dealing
with urgent problems affecting them in regard to education, their physical and
mental health, economic life and in the matter of violence against them,
including domestic violence; and to eliminating the situation of aggravated
discrimination suffered by indigenous women and girls on multiple grounds of
racism and gender discrimination;
19. Recommends
that States examine, in conformity with relevant international human rights
instruments, norms and standards, their Constitutions, laws, legal systems and
policies in order to identify and eradicate racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance towards indigenous peoples and individuals,
whether implicit, explicit or inherent;
20. Calls
upon concerned States to honour and respect their treaties and agreements
with indigenous peoples and to accord them due recognition and observance;
21. Calls
upon States to give full and appropriate consideration to the
recommendations produced by indigenous peoples in their own forums on the
World Conference;
22. Requests
States:
(a) To
develop and, where they already exist, support institutional mechanisms to
promote the accomplishment of the objectives and measures relating to
indigenous peoples agreed in this Programme of Action;
(b) To
promote, in concert with indigenous organizations, local authorities and non‑governmental
organizations, actions aimed at overcoming racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance against indigenous peoples and to make
regular assessments of the progress achieved in this regard;
(c) To
promote understanding among society at large of the importance of special
measures to overcome disadvantages faced by indigenous peoples;
(d) To
consult indigenous representatives in the process of decision-making concerning
policies and measures that directly affect them;
23. Calls
upon States to recognize the particular challenges faced by indigenous
peoples and individuals living in urban environments and urges States to
implement effective strategies to combat the racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance they encounter, paying particular attention
to opportunities for their continued practice of their traditional, cultural,
linguistic and spiritual ways of life;
24. Requests
all States to combat manifestations of a generalized rejection of migrants and
actively to discourage all racist demonstrations and acts that generate
xenophobic behaviour and negative sentiments towards, or rejection of,
migrants;
25. Invites
international and national non-governmental organizations to include monitoring
and protection of the human rights of migrants in their programmes and
activities and to sensitize Governments and increase public awareness in all
States about the need to prevent racist acts and manifestations of
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against migrants;
26. Requests
States to promote and protect fully and effectively the human rights and
fundamental freedoms of all migrants, in conformity with the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and their obligations under international human
rights instruments, regardless of the migrants’ immigration status;
27. Encourages
States to promote education on the human rights of migrants and to engage in
information campaigns to ensure that the public receives accurate information
regarding migrants and migration issues, including the positive contribution of
migrants to the host society and the vulnerability of migrants, particularly
those who are in an irregular situation;
28. Calls
upon States to facilitate family reunification in an expeditious and
effective manner which has a positive effect on integration of migrants, with
due regard for the desire of many family members to have an independent status;
29. Urges
States to take concrete measures that would eliminate racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the workplace against all
workers, including migrants, and ensure the full equality of all before the
law, including labour law, and further urges States to eliminate barriers,
where appropriate, to:
participating in vocational training, collective bargaining, employment,
contracts and trade union activity; accessing judicial and administrative
tribunals dealing with grievances; seeking employment in different parts of
their country of residence; and working in safe and healthy conditions;
30. Urges
States:
(a) To
develop and implement policies and action plans, and to reinforce and implement
preventive measures, in order to foster greater harmony and tolerance between
migrants and host societies, with the aim of eliminating manifestations of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including
acts of violence, perpetrated in many societies by individuals or groups;
(b) To
review and revise, where necessary, their immigration laws, policies and
practices so that they are free of racial discrimination and compatible with
States’ obligations under international human rights instruments;
(c) To
implement specific measures involving the host community and migrants in order
to encourage respect for cultural diversity, to promote the fair treatment of
migrants and to develop programmes, where appropriate, that facilitate their
integration into social, cultural, political and economic life;
(d) To
ensure that migrants, regardless of their immigration status, detained by
public authorities are treated with humanity and in a fair manner, and receive
effective legal protection and, where appropriate, the assistance of a
competent interpreter in accordance with the relevant norms of international
law and human rights standards, particularly during interrogation;
(e) To
ensure that the police and immigration authorities treat migrants in a
dignified and non-discriminatory manner, in accordance with international
standards, through, inter alia, organizing specialized training
courses for administrators, police officers, immigration officials and other
interested groups;
(f) To
consider the question of promoting the recognition of the educational,
professional and technical credentials of migrants, with a view to maximizing
their contribution to their new States of residence;
(g) To
take all possible measures to promote the full enjoyment by all migrants of all
human rights, including those related to fair wages and equal remuneration for
work of equal value without distinction of any kind, and to the right to
security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age
or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond their control, social
security, including social insurance, access to education, health care, social
services and respect for their cultural identity;
(h) To
consider adopting and implementing immigration policies and programmes that
would enable immigrants, in particular women and children who are victims of
spousal or domestic violence, to free themselves from abusive relationships;
31. Urges
States, in the light of the increased proportion of women migrants, to place
special focus on gender issues, including gender discrimination, particularly
when the multiple barriers faced by migrant women intersect; detailed research
should be undertaken not only in respect of human rights violations perpetrated
against women migrants, but also on the contribution they make to the economies
of their countries of origin and their host countries, and the findings should
be included in reports to treaty bodies;
32. Urges
States to recognize the same economic opportunities and responsibilities to
documented long-term migrants as to other members of society;
33. Recommends
that host countries of migrants consider the provision of adequate social
services, in particular in the areas of health, education and adequate housing,
as a matter of priority, in cooperation with the United Nations agencies, the
regional organizations and international financial bodies; also requests that
these agencies provide an adequate response to requests for such services;
34. Urges
States to comply with their obligations under international human rights,
refugee and humanitarian law relating to refugees, asylum-seekers and displaced
persons, and urges the international community to provide them with protection
and assistance in an equitable manner and with due regard to their needs in
different parts of the world, in keeping with principles of international
solidarity, burden-sharing and international cooperation, to share
responsibilities;
35. Calls
upon States to recognize the racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance that refugees may face as they endeavour to engage in the
life of the societies of their host countries and encourages States, in
accordance with their international obligations and commitments, to develop
strategies to address this discrimination and to facilitate the full enjoyment
of the human rights of refugees.
States parties should ensure that all measures relating to refugees must
be in full accordance with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of
Refugees and its 1967 Protocol;
36. Urges
States to take effective steps to protect refugee and internally displaced
women and girls from violence, to investigate any such violations and to bring
those responsible to justice, in collaboration, when appropriate, with the
relevant and competent organizations;
37. Urges
States to take all possible measures to ensure that all persons, without any
discrimination, are registered and have access to the necessary documentation
reflecting their legal identity to enable them to benefit from available legal
procedures, remedies and development opportunities, as well as to reduce the
incidence of trafficking;
38. Recognizes
that victims of trafficking are particularly exposed to racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. States shall ensure that all measures taken against
trafficking in persons, in particular those that affect the victims of such
trafficking, are consistent with internationally recognized principles of
non-discrimination, including the prohibition of racial discrimination and the
availability of appropriate legal redress;
39. Calls
upon States to ensure that Roma/Gypsy/Sinti/Traveller children and youth,
especially girls, are given equal access to education and that educational
curricula at all levels, including complementary programmes on intercultural
education, which might, inter alia, include opportunities for them
to learn the official languages in the pre-school period and to recruit
Roma/Gypsy/Sinti/Traveller teachers and classroom assistants in order for such
children and youth to learn their mother tongue, are sensitive and responsive
to their needs;
40. Encourages
States to adopt appropriate and concrete policies and measures, to develop
implementation mechanisms, where these do not already exist, and to exchange
experiences, in cooperation with representatives of the Roma/Gypsies/Sinti/Travellers,
in order to eradicate discrimination against them, enable them to achieve
equality and ensure their full enjoyment of all their human rights, as
recommended in the case of the Roma by the Committee on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination in its general recommendation XXVII, so that their needs
are met;
41. Recommends
that the intergovernmental organizations address, as appropriate, in their
projects of cooperation with and assistance to various States, the situation of
the Roma/Gypsies/Sinti/Travellers and promote their economic, social and
cultural advancement;
42. Calls
upon States and encourages non-governmental organizations to raise
awareness about the racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance experienced by the Roma/Gypsies/Sinti/Travellers, and to promote
knowledge and respect for their culture and history;
43. Encourages
the media to promote equal access to and participation in the media for the
Roma/Gypsies/Sinti/Travellers, as well as to protect them from racist,
stereotypical and discriminatory media reporting, and calls upon States to
facilitate the media’s efforts in this regard;
44. Invites
States to design policies aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance that are based on reliable statistical data
recognizing the concerns identified in consultation with the
Roma/Gypsies/Sinti/Travellers themselves reflecting as accurately as possible
their status in society. All such
information shall be collected in accordance with provisions on human rights
and fundamental freedoms, such as data protection regulations and privacy
guarantees, and in consultation with the persons concerned;
45. Encourages
States to address the problems of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance against people of Asian descent and urges States to take
all necessary measures to eliminate the barriers that such persons face in
participating in economic, social, cultural and political life;
46. Urges
States to ensure within their jurisdiction that persons belonging to national
or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities can exercise fully and
effectively all human rights and fundamental freedoms without any
discrimination and in full equality before the law, and also urges States and
the international community to promote and protect the rights of such persons;
47. Urges
States to guarantee the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic,
religious and linguistic minorities, individually or in community with other
members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise
their own religion, and to use their own language, in private and in public,
freely and without interference, and to participate effectively in the
cultural, social, economic and political life of the country in which they
live, in order to protect them from any form of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance that they are or may be subjected to;
48. Urges
States to recognize the effect that discrimination, marginalization and social
exclusion have had and continue to have on many racial groups living in a
numerically based minority situation within a State, and to ensure that persons
in such groups can exercise, as individual members of such groups, fully and
effectively, all human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction and
in full equality before the law, and to take, where applicable, appropriate
measures in respect of employment, housing and education with a view to preventing
racial discrimination;
49. Urges
States to take, where applicable, appropriate measures to prevent racial
discrimination against persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and
linguistic minorities in respect of employment, health care, housing, social
services and education, and in this context forms of multiple discrimination
should be taken into account;
50. Urges
States to incorporate a gender perspective in all programmes of action against
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and to
consider the burden of such discrimination which falls particularly on
indigenous women, African women, Asian women, women of African descent, women
of Asian descent, women migrants and women from other disadvantaged groups, ensuring
their access to the resources of production on an equal footing with men, as a
means of promoting their participation in the economic and productive
development of their communities;
51. Urges
States to involve women, especially women victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in decision-making at all
levels when working towards the eradication of such discrimination, and to
develop concrete measures to incorporate race and gender analysis in the
implementation of all aspects of the Programme of Action and national plans of
action, particularly in the fields of employment programmes and services and
resource allocation;
52. Recognizing
that poverty shapes economic and social status and establishes obstacles to the
effective political participation of women and men in different ways and to
different extents, urges States to undertake gender analyses of all
economic and social policies and programmes, especially poverty eradication
measures, including those designed and implemented to benefit those individuals
or groups of individuals who are victims of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
53. Urges
States and encourages all sectors of society to empower women and girls who are
victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
so that they can fully exercise their rights in all spheres of public and
private life, and to ensure the full, equal and effective participation of
women in decision-making at all levels, in particular in the design,
implementation and evaluation of policies and measures which affect their
lives;
54. Urges
States:
(a) To
recognize that sexual violence which has been systematically used as a weapon
of war, sometimes with the acquiescence or at the instigation of the State, is
a serious violation of international humanitarian law that, in defined
circumstances, constitutes a crime against humanity and/or a war crime, and
that the intersection of discrimination on grounds of race and gender makes
women and girls particularly vulnerable to this type of violence, which is
often related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
(b) To
end impunity and prosecute those responsible for crimes against humanity and
war crimes, including crimes related to sexual and other gender-based violence
against women and girls, as well as to ensure that persons in authority who are
responsible for such crimes, including by committing, ordering, soliciting,
inducing, aiding in, abetting, assisting or in any other way contributing to
their commission or attempted commission, are identified, investigated,
prosecuted and punished;
55. Requests
States, in collaboration where necessary with international organizations,
having the best interests of the child as a primary consideration, to provide
protection against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance against children, especially those in circumstances of particular
vulnerability, and to pay special attention to the situation of such children
when designing relevant policies, strategies and programmes;
56. Urges
States, in accordance with their national law and their obligations under the
relevant international instruments, to take all measures to the maximum extent
of their available resources to guarantee, without any discrimination, the
equal right of all children to the immediate registration of birth, in order to
enable them to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. States shall grant women equal rights
with men with respect to nationality;
57. Urges
States and international and regional organizations, and encourages non‑governmental
organizations and the private sector, to address the situation of persons with
disabilities who are also subject to racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance; also urges States to take necessary
measures to ensure their full enjoyment of all human rights and to facilitate
their full integration into all fields of
life;
58. Urges
States to adopt and implement, at both the national and international levels,
effective measures and policies, in addition to existing anti-discrimination
national legislation and relevant international instruments and mechanisms,
which encourage all citizens and institutions to take a stand against racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and to recognize,
respect and maximize the benefits of diversity within and among all nations in
working together to build a harmonious and productive future by putting into
practice and promoting values and principles such as justice, equality and
non-discrimination, democracy, fairness and friendship, tolerance and respect
within and between communities and nations, in particular through public
information and education programmes to raise awareness and understanding of
the benefits of cultural diversity, including programmes where the public
authorities work in partnership with international and non-governmental
organizations and other sectors of civil society;
59. Urges
States to mainstream a gender perspective in the design and development of
measures of prevention, education and protection aimed at the eradication of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at all
levels, to ensure that they effectively target the distinct situations of women
and men;
60. Urges
States to adopt or strengthen, as appropriate, national programmes for
eradicating poverty and reducing social exclusion which take account of the
needs and experiences of individuals or groups of individuals who are victims
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and also
urges that they expand their efforts to foster bilateral, regional and
international cooperation in implementing those programmes;
61. Urges
States to work to ensure that their political and legal systems reflect the
multicultural diversity within their societies and, where necessary, to improve
democratic institutions so that they are more fully participatory and avoid
marginalization, exclusion and discrimination against specific sectors of
society;
62. Urges
States to take all necessary measures to address specifically, through policies
and programmes, racism and racially motivated violence against women and girls
and to increase cooperation, policy responses and effective implementation of
national legislation and of their obligations under relevant international
instruments, and other protective and preventive measures aimed at the
elimination of all forms of racially motivated discrimination and violence
against women and girls;
63. Encourages
the business sector, in particular the tourist industry and Internet providers,
to develop codes of conduct, with a view to preventing trafficking in persons
and protecting the victims of such traffic, especially those in prostitution,
against gender-based and racial discrimination and promoting their rights,
dignity and security;
64. Urges
States to devise, enforce and strengthen effective measures at the national,
regional and international levels to prevent, combat and eliminate all forms of
trafficking in women and children, in particular girls, through comprehensive
anti-trafficking strategies which include legislative measures, prevention
campaigns and information exchange.
It also urges States to allocate resources, as appropriate, to provide
comprehensive programmes designed to provide assistance to, protection for,
healing, reintegration into society and rehabilitation of victims. States shall provide or strengthen
training for law enforcement, immigration and other relevant officials who deal
with victims of trafficking in this regard;
65.
Encourages the bodies, agencies and relevant programmes of the United Nations
system and States to promote and to make use of the Guiding Principles on
Internal Displacement (E/CN.4/1998/53/Add.2), particularly those provisions
relating to non‑discrimination,
A. National level
1. Legislative,
judicial, regulatory, administrative and other measures to prevent and protect
against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
66. Urges
States to establish and implement without delay national policies and action
plans to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, including their gender-based manifestations;
67. Urges
States to design or reinforce, promote and implement effective legislative and
administrative policies, as well as other preventive measures, against the
serious situation experienced by certain groups of workers, including migrant
workers, who are victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance. Special
attention should be given to protecting people engaged in domestic work and
trafficked persons from discrimination and violence, as well as to combating
prejudice against them;
68. Urges
States to adopt and implement, or strengthen, national legislation and
administrative measures that expressly and specifically counter racism and
prohibit racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, whether
direct or indirect, in all spheres of public life, in accordance with their
obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination, ensuring that their reservations are not contrary to
the object and purpose of the Convention;
69. Urges
States to enact and implement, as appropriate, laws against trafficking in
persons, especially women and children, and smuggling of migrants, taking into
account practices that endanger human lives or lead to various kinds of servitude
and exploitation, such as debt bondage, slavery, sexual exploitation or labour
exploitation; also encourages States to create, if they do not already exist,
mechanisms to combat such practices and to allocate adequate resources to
ensure law enforcement and the protection of the rights of victims, and to
reinforce bilateral, regional and international cooperation, including with
non-governmental organizations that assist victims, to combat this trafficking
in persons and smuggling of migrants;
70. Urges
States to take all necessary constitutional, legislative and administrative
measures to foster equality among individuals and groups of individuals who are
victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
and to review existing measures with a view to amending or repealing national
legislation and administrative provisions that may give rise to such forms of
discrimination;
71. Urges
States, including their law enforcement agencies, to design and fully implement
effective policies and programmes to prevent, detect and ensure accountability
for misconduct by police officers and other law enforcement personnel which is
motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
and to prosecute perpetrators of such misconduct;
72. Urges
States to design, implement and enforce effective measures to eliminate the
phenomenon popularly known as “racial profiling” and comprising the practice of
police and other law enforcement officers relying, to any degree, on race,
colour, descent or national or ethnic origin as the basis for subjecting
persons to investigatory activities or for determining whether an individual is
engaged in criminal activity;
73. Urges
States to take measures to prevent genetic research or its applications from
being used to promote racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, to protect the privacy of personal genetic information and to
prevent such information from being used for discriminatory or racist purposes;
74. Urges
States and invites non-governmental organizations and the private sector:
(a) To
create and implement policies that promote a high-quality and diverse police
force free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, and recruit actively all groups, including minorities, into public
employment, including the police force and other agencies within the criminal
justice system (such as prosecutors);
(b) To
work to reduce violence, including violence motivated by racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, by:
(i)
Developing educational materials to teach young people the importance of
tolerance and respect;
(ii)
Addressing bias before it manifests itself in violent criminal activity;
(iii)
Establishing working groups consisting of, among others, local community
leaders and national and local law enforcement officials, to improve
coordination, community involvement, training, education and data collection,
with the aim of preventing such violent criminal activity;
(iv)
Ensuring that civil rights laws that prohibit violent criminal activity
are strongly enforced;
(v)
Enhancing data collection regarding violence motivated by racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
(vi)
Providing appropriate assistance to victims, and public education to
prevent future incidents of violence motivated by racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
Ratification of and effective implementation of
relevant international and regional legal instruments on human rights and
non-discrimination
75. Urges
States that have not yet done so to consider ratifying or acceding to the
international human rights instruments which combat racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in particular to accede to
the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination as a matter of urgency, with a view to universal ratification by
the year 2005, and to consider making the declaration envisaged under article
14, to comply with their reporting obligations, and to publish and act upon the
concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination. It also urges
States to withdraw reservations contrary to the object and purpose of that
Convention and to consider withdrawing other reservations;
76. Urges
States to give due consideration to the observations and recommendations of the
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. To that effect, States should consider
setting up appropriate national monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure
that all appropriate steps are taken to follow up on these observations and
recommendations;
77. Urges
States that have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as to consider
acceding to the Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights;
78. Urges
those States that have not yet done so to consider signing and ratifying or
acceding to the following instruments:
(a) Convention
on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948;
(b) International
Labour Organization Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No.
97);
(c) Convention
for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the
Prostitution of Others of 1949;
(d) Convention
relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, and its 1967 Protocol;
(e) International
Labour Organization Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958
(No. 111);
(f) Convention
against Discrimination in Education, adopted on 14 December 1960 by the General
Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization;
(g) Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women of 1979,
with a view to achieving universal ratification within five years, and its
Optional Protocol of 1999;
(h) Convention
on the Rights of the Child of 1989 and its two Optional Protocols of 2000,
and the International Labour Organization Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No.
138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182);
(i) International
Labour Organization Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975
(No. 143);
(j) International
Labour Organization Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No.
169) and the Convention on Biological Diversity of 1992;
(k) International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members
of Their Families of 1990;
(l) The
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 1998;
(m) United
Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the Protocol to
Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and
Children, supplementing the Convention and the Protocol against the Smuggling
of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the Convention of 2000;
It further urges States parties to these instruments to implement them
fully;
79. Calls
upon States to promote and protect the exercise of the rights set out in
the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of
Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, proclaimed by the General Assembly
in its resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981, in order to obviate
religious discrimination which, when combined with certain other forms of
discrimination, constitutes a form of multiple discrimination;
80. Urges
States to seek full respect for, and compliance with, the Vienna Convention on
Consular Relations of 1963, especially as it relates to the right of foreign
nationals, regardless of their legal and immigration status, to communicate
with a consular officer of their own State in the case of arrest or detention;
81. Urges
all States to prohibit discriminatory treatment based on race, colour, descent
or national or ethnic origin against foreigners and migrant workers, inter alia,
where appropriate, concerning the granting of work visas and work permits,
housing, health care and access to justice;
82. Underlines
the importance of combating impunity, including for crimes with a racist or
xenophobic motivation, also at the international level, noting that impunity
for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law is a serious
obstacle to a fair and equitable justice system and, ultimately, reconciliation
and stability; it also fully supports the
work of the existing international criminal tribunals and ratification
of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and urges all States
to cooperate with these international criminal tribunals;
83. Urges
States to make every effort to apply fully the relevant provisions of the
International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and
Rights at Work of 1998, in order to combat racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
Prosecution of perpetrators of racist acts
84. Urges
States to adopt effective measures to combat criminal acts motivated by racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, to take measures so
that such motivations are considered an aggravating factor for the purposes of
sentencing, to prevent these crimes from going unpunished and to ensure the
rule of law;
85. Urges
States to undertake investigations to examine possible links between criminal
prosecution, police violence and penal sanctions, on the one hand, and racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, on the other, so as
to have evidence for taking the necessary steps for the eradication of any such
links and discriminatory practices;
86. Calls
upon States to promote measures to deter the emergence of and to counter
neo‑fascist, violent nationalist ideologies which promote racial hatred and
racial discrimination, as well as racist and xenophobic sentiments, including
measures to combat the negative influence of such ideologies especially on
young people through formal and non-formal education, the media and sport;
87. Urges
States parties to adopt legislation implementing the obligations they have
assumed to prosecute and punish persons who have committed or ordered to be
committed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and
Additional Protocol I thereto and of other serious violations of the laws and
customs of war, in particular in relation to the principle of non‑discrimination;
88. Calls
upon States to criminalize all forms of trafficking in persons, in
particular women and children, and to condemn and penalize traffickers and
intermediaries, while ensuring protection and assistance to the victims of
trafficking, with full respect for their human rights;
89. Urges
States to carry out comprehensive, exhaustive, timely and impartial
investigations of all unlawful acts of racism and racial discrimination, to
prosecute criminal offences ex officio, as appropriate, or initiate or
facilitate all appropriate actions arising from offences of a racist or
xenophobic nature, to ensure that criminal and civil investigations and
prosecutions of offences of a racist or xenophobic nature are given high
priority and are actively and consistently undertaken, and to ensure the right
to equal treatment before the tribunals and all other organs administering
justice. In this regard, the World
Conference underlines the importance of fostering awareness and providing
training to the various agents in the criminal justice system to ensure fair
and impartial application of the law.
In this respect, it recommends that anti‑discrimination monitoring
services be established;
Establishment and reinforcement of independent specialized national
institutions and mediation
90. Urges
States, as appropriate, to establish, strengthen, review and reinforce the
effectiveness of independent national human rights institutions, particularly
on issues of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,
in conformity with the Principles relating to the status of national
institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, annexed to
General Assembly resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993, and to provide them
with adequate financial resources, competence and capacity for investigation,
research, education and public awareness activities to combat these phenomena;
91. Also
urges States:
(a) To
foster cooperation between these institutions and other national institutions;
(b) To
take steps to ensure that those individuals or groups of individuals who are
victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
can participate fully in these institutions;
(c) To
support these institutions and similar bodies, inter alia through
the publication and circulation of existing national laws and jurisprudence,
and cooperation with institutions in other countries, so that knowledge can be
gained of the manifestations, functions and mechanisms of these practices and
the strategies designed to prevent, combat and eradicate them;
2. Policies and
practices
Data collection and
disaggregation, research and study
92. Urges
States to collect, compile, analyse, disseminate and publish reliable
statistical data at the national and local levels and undertake all other
related measures which are necessary to assess regularly the situation of
individuals and groups of individuals who are victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
(a) Such
statistical data should be disaggregated in accordance with national
legislation. Any such information
shall, as appropriate, be collected with the explicit consent of the victims,
based on their self-identification and in accordance with provisions on human
rights and fundamental freedoms, such as data protection regulations and
privacy guarantees. This information
must not be misused;
(b) The
statistical data and information should be collected with the objective of
monitoring the situation of marginalized groups, and the development and
evaluation of legislation, policies, practices and other measures aimed at
preventing and combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, as well as for the purpose of determining whether any measures
have an unintentional disparate impact on victims. To that end, it recommends the development of voluntary,
consensual and participatory strategies in the process of collecting, designing
and using information;
(c) The
information should take into account economic and social indicators, including,
where appropriate, health and health status, infant and maternal mortality,
life expectancy, literacy, education, employment, housing, land ownership,
mental and physical health care, water, sanitation, energy and communications
services, poverty and average disposable income, in order to elaborate social
and economic development policies with a view to closing the existing gaps in
social and economic conditions;
93. Invites
States, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations,
academic institutions and the private sector to improve concepts and methods of
data collection and analysis; to promote research, exchange experiences and
successful practices and develop promotional activities in this area; and to
develop indicators of progress and participation of individuals and groups of
individuals in society subject to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance;
94. Recognizes
that policies and programmes aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance should be based on quantitative and
qualitative research, incorporating a gender perspective. Such policies and programmes should
take into account priorities identified by individuals and groups of
individuals who are victims of, or subject to, racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
95. Urges
States to establish regular monitoring of acts of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the public and private
sectors, including those committed by law enforcement officials;
96. Invites
States to promote and conduct studies and adopt an integral, objective and long‑term
approach to all phases and aspects of migration which will deal effectively
with both its causes and manifestations.
These studies and approaches should pay special attention to the root
causes of migratory flows, such as lack of full enjoyment of human rights and
fundamental freedoms, and the effects of economic globalization on migration
trends;
97. Recommends
that further studies be conducted on how racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance may be reflected in laws, policies,
institutions and practices and how this may have contributed to the
victimization and exclusion of migrants, especially women and children;
98. Recommends
that States include where applicable in their periodic reports to
United Nations human rights treaty bodies, in an appropriate form,
statistical information relating to individuals, members of groups and
communities within their jurisdiction, including statistical data on
participation in political life and on their economic, social and cultural
situation. All such information
shall be collected in accordance with provisions on human rights and
fundamental freedoms, such as data protection regulations and privacy guarantees;
Action-oriented policies and action plans, including affirmative action
to ensure non-discrimination, in particular as regards access to social
services, employment, housing, education, health care, etc.
99. Recognizes
that combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance is a primary responsibility of States. It therefore encourages States to develop or elaborate
national action plans to promote diversity, equality, equity, social justice,
equality of opportunity and the participation of all. Through, among other things, affirmative or positive actions
and strategies, these plans should aim at creating conditions for all to
participate effectively in decision-making and realize civil, cultural,
economic, political and social rights in all spheres of life on the basis of
non-discrimination. The World
Conference encourages States, in developing and elaborating such action plans,
to establish, or reinforce, dialogue with non‑governmental organizations in
order to involve them more closely in designing, implementing and evaluating
policies and programmes;
100. Urges
States to establish, on the basis of statistical information, national
programmes, including affirmative or positive measures, to promote the access
of individuals and groups of individuals who are or may be victims of racial
discrimination to basic social services, including primary education, basic
health care and adequate housing;
101. Urges
States to establish programmes to promote the access without discrimination of
individuals or groups of individuals who are victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to health care, and to
promote strong efforts to eliminate disparities, inter alia in the
infant and maternal mortality rates, childhood immunizations, HIV/AIDS, heart
diseases, cancer and contagious diseases;
102. Urges
States to promote residential integration of all members of the society at the
planning stage of urban development schemes and other human settlements, as
well as while renewing neglected areas of public housing, so as to counter
social exclusion and marginalization;
Employment
103. Urges
States to promote and support where appropriate the organization and operation
of enterprises owned by persons who are victims of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance by promoting equal access to credit and to
training programmes;
104. Urges
States and encourages non-governmental organizations and the private sector:
(a) To
support the creation of workplaces free of discrimination through a
multifaceted strategy that includes civil rights enforcement, public education
and communication within the workplace, and to promote and protect the rights
of workers who are subject to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance;
(b) To
foster the creation, growth and expansion of businesses dedicated to improving
economic and educational conditions in underserved and disadvantaged areas, by
increasing access to capital through, inter alia, community
development banks, recognizing that new businesses can have a positive, dynamic
impact on communities in need, and to work with the private sector to create
jobs, help retain existing jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth
in economically distressed areas;
(c) To
improve the prospects of targeted groups facing, inter alia, the
greatest obstacles in finding, keeping or regaining work, including skilled
employment. Particular attention
should be paid to persons subject to multiple discrimination;
105. Urges
States to give special attention, when devising and implementing legislation
and policies designed to enhance the protection of workers’ rights, to the
serious situation of lack of protection, and in some cases exploitation, as in
the case of trafficked persons and smuggled migrants, which makes them more
vulnerable to ill-treatment such as confinement in the case of domestic workers
and also being employed in dangerous and poorly paid jobs;
106. Urges
States to avoid the negative effects of discriminatory practices, racism and
xenophobia in employment and occupation by promoting the application and
observance of international instruments and norms on workers’ rights;
107. Calls
upon States and encourages representative trade unions and the business sector
to advance non-discriminatory practices in the workplace and protect the rights
of workers, including, in particular, the victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
108. Calls
upon States to provide effective access to administrative and legal
procedures and other remedial action to victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the workplace;
Health, environment
109. Urges
States, individually and through international cooperation, to enhance measures
to fulfil the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, with a view to eliminating disparities
in health status, as indicated in standard health indexes, which might result
from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
110. Urges
States and encourages non-governmental organizations and the private sector:
(a) To
provide effective mechanisms for monitoring and eliminating racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the health-care system,
such as the development and enforcement of effective anti-discrimination laws;
(b) To
take steps to ensure equal access to comprehensive, quality health care
affordable for all, including primary health care for medically underserved
people, facilitate the training of a health workforce that is both diverse and
motivated to work in underserved communities, and work to increase diversity in
the health-care profession by recruiting on merit and potential women and men
from all groups, representing the diversity of their societies, for health-care
careers and by retaining them in the health professions;
(c) To
work with health-care professionals, community-based health providers, non‑governmental
organizations, scientific researchers and private industry as a means of
improving the health status of marginalized communities, in particular victims
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
(d) To
work with health professionals, scientific researchers and international and
regional health organizations to study the differential impact of medical
treatments and health strategies on various communities;
(e) To
adopt and implement policies and programmes to improve HIV/AIDS prevention
efforts in high-risk communities and work to expand availability of HIV/AIDS
care, treatment and other support services;
111. Invites
States to consider non-discriminatory measures to provide a safe and healthy
environment for individuals and groups of individuals victims of or subject to
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and in
particular:
(a) To
improve access to public information on health and environment issues;
(b) To
ensure that relevant concerns are taken into account in the public process of
decision-making on the environment;
(c) To
share technology and successful practices to improve human health and
environment in all areas;
(d) To
take appropriate remedial measures, as possible, to clean, re-use and redevelop
contaminated sites and, where appropriate, relocate those affected on a
voluntary basis after consultations;
Equal participation in political, economic, social and cultural
decision-making
112. Urges
States and encourages the private sector and international financial and
development institutions, such as the World Bank and regional development
banks, to promote participation of individuals and groups of individuals who
are victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance in economic, cultural and social decision‑making at all stages,
particularly in the development and implementation of poverty alleviation
strategies, development projects, and trade and market assistance programmes;
113. Urges
States to promote, as appropriate, effective and equal access of all members of
the community, especially those who are victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, to the decision-making
process in society at all levels and in particular at the local level, and also
urges States and encourages the private sector to facilitate their effective
participation in economic life;
114. Urges
all multilateral financial and development institutions, in particular the
World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and
regional development banks, to promote, in accordance with their regular
budgets and the procedures of their governing bodies, participation by all
members of the international community in decision‑making processes at all
stages and levels in order to facilitate development projects and, as
appropriate, trade and market access programmes;
Role of politicians and political parties
115. Underlines
the key role that politicians and political parties can play in combating
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and
encourages political parties to take concrete steps to promote equality,
solidarity and non-discrimination in society, inter alia by developing
voluntary codes of conduct which include internal disciplinary measures for
violations thereof, so their members refrain from public statements and actions
that encourage or incite racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
116. Invites
the Inter-Parliamentary Union to encourage debate in, and action by,
parliaments on various measures, including laws and policies, to combat racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
3. Education and
awareness-raising measures
117. Urges
States, where appropriate working with other relevant bodies, to commit
financial resources to anti-racism education and to media campaigns promoting
the values of acceptance, tolerance, diversity and respect for the cultures of
all indigenous peoples living within their national borders. In particular, States should promote an
accurate understanding of the histories and cultures of indigenous peoples;
118. Urges
the United Nations, other appropriate international and regional organizations
and States to redress the marginalization of Africa’s contribution to world
history and civilization by developing and implementing a specific and
comprehensive programme of research, education and mass communication to
disseminate widely a balanced and objective presentation of Africa’s seminal
and valuable contribution to humanity;
119. Invites
States and relevant international organizations and non-governmental
organizations to build upon the efforts of the Slave Route Project of the
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization and its theme
of “Breaking the silence” by developing texts and testimony, slavery
multi-media centres and/or programmes that will collect, record, organize,
exhibit and publish the existing data relevant to the history of slavery and
the trans-Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean slave trades, paying
particular attention to the thoughts and actions of the victims of slavery and
the slave trade, in their quest for freedom and justice;
120. Salutes
the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization made within the framework of the Slave Route Project and requests
that the outcome be made available to the international community as soon as
possible;
Access to education without discrimination
121. Urges
States to commit themselves to ensuring access to education, including access
to free primary education for all children, both girls and boys, and access for
adults to lifelong learning and education, based on respect for human rights,
diversity and tolerance, without discrimination of any kind;
122. Urges
States to ensure equal access to education for all in law and in practice, and
to refrain from any legal or any other measures leading to imposed racial
segregation in any form in access to schooling;
123. Urges
States:
(a) To
adopt and implement laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
colour, descent or national or ethnic origin at all levels of education, both
formal and non-formal;
(b) To
take all appropriate measures to eliminate obstacles limiting the access of
children to education;
(c) To
ensure that all children have
access without discrimination to education of good quality;
(d) To
establish and implement standardized methods to measure and track the
educational performance of disadvantaged children and young people;
(e) To
commit resources to eliminate, where they exist, inequalities in educational outcomes for children and young
people;
(f) To
support efforts to ensure safe school environments, free from violence and
harassment motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or related
intolerance; and
(g) To
consider establishing financial assistance programmes designed to enable all
students, regardless of race, colour, descent or ethnic or national origin, to
attend institutions of higher education;
124.
Urges States to adopt, where applicable, appropriate measures to ensure that
persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
have access to education without discrimination of any kind and, where
possible, have an opportunity to learn their own language in order to protect
them from any form of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance that they may be subjected to;
Human rights education
125. Requests
States to include the struggle against racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance among the activities undertaken within
the framework of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights
Education (1995-2004) and to take into account the recommendations of the
mid-term evaluation report of the Decade;
126. Encourages
all States, in cooperation with the United Nations, the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and other relevant
international organizations, to initiate and develop cultural and educational
programmes aimed at countering racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance, in order to ensure respect for the dignity and worth of
all human beings and enhance mutual understanding among all cultures and
civilizations. It further urges
States to support and implement public information campaigns and specific
training programmes in the field of human rights, where appropriate formulated
in local languages, to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance and promote respect for the values of diversity, pluralism,
tolerance, mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, integration and
inclusiveness. Such programmes and
campaigns should be addressed to all sectors of society, in particular children
and young people;
127. Urges
States to intensify their efforts in the field of education, including human
rights education, in order to promote an understanding and awareness of the
causes, consequences and evils of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance, and also urges States, in consultation with educational
authorities and the private sector, as appropriate, and encourages educational
authorities and the private sector, as appropriate, to develop educational
materials, including textbooks and dictionaries, aimed at combating those
phenomena and, in this context, calls upon States to give importance, if
appropriate, to textbook and curriculum review and amendment, so as to eliminate
any elements that might promote racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance or reinforce negative stereotypes, and to include material
that refutes such stereotypes;
128. Urges
States, if appropriate in cooperation with relevant organizations, including
youth organizations, to support and implement public formal and non-formal
education programmes designed to promote respect for cultural diversity;
Human rights education for children and youth
129. Urges
States to introduce and, as applicable, to reinforce anti-discrimination and
anti‑racism components in human rights programmes in school curricula, to
develop and improve relevant educational material, including history and other
textbooks, and to ensure that all teachers are effectively trained and
adequately motivated to shape attitudes and behavioural patterns, based on the
principles of non-discrimination, mutual respect and tolerance;
130. Calls
upon States to undertake and facilitate activities aimed at educating young
people in human rights and democratic citizenship and instilling values of
solidarity, respect and appreciation of diversity, including respect for
different groups. A special effort
to inform and sensitize young people to respect democratic values and human
rights should be undertaken or developed to fight against ideologies based on
the fallacious theory of racial superiority;
131. Urges
States to encourage all schools to consider developing educational activities,
including extracurricular ones, to raise awareness against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, inter alia by
commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination (21 March);
132. Recommends
that States introduce, or reinforce, human rights education, with a view to
combating prejudices which lead to racial discrimination and to promoting
understanding, tolerance and friendship between different racial or ethnic
groups, in schools and in institutions of higher education, and support public
formal and non-formal education programmes designed to promote respect for
cultural diversity and the self-esteem of victims;
Human rights education for public officials and professionals
133. Urges
States to develop and strengthen anti-racist and gender-sensitive human rights
training for public officials, including personnel in the administration of
justice, particularly in law enforcement, correctional and security services,
as well as among health-care, schools and migration authorities;
134. Urges
States to pay specific attention to the negative impact of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the administration of
justice and fair trial, and to conduct nationwide campaigns, amongst other
measures, to raise awareness among State organs and public officials concerning
their obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Racial Discrimination and other relevant instruments;
135. Requests
States, wherever appropriate through cooperation with international
organizations, national institutions, non-governmental organizations and the
private sector, to organize and facilitate training activities, including
courses or seminars, on international norms prohibiting racial discrimination and
their applicability in domestic law, as well as on their international human
rights obligations, for prosecutors, members of the judiciary and other public
officials;
136. Calls
upon States to ensure that education and training, especially teacher training,
promote respect for human rights and the fight against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and that educational
institutions implement policies and programmes agreed by the relevant
authorities on equal opportunities, anti-racism, gender equality, and cultural,
religious and other diversity, with the participation of teachers, parents and
students, and follow up their implementation. It further urges all educators, including teachers at all
levels of education, religious communities and the print and electronic media,
to play an effective role in human rights education, including as a means to
combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
137. Encourages
States to consider taking measures to increase the recruitment, retention and
promotion of women and men belonging to groups which are currently under‑represented
in the teaching profession as a result of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, and to guarantee them effective equality of
access to the profession.
Particular efforts should be made to recruit women and men who have the
ability to interact effectively with all groups;
138. Urges
States to strengthen the human rights training and awareness-raising activities
designed for immigration officials, border police and staff of detention
centres and prisons, local authorities and other civil servants in charge of
enforcing laws, as well as teachers, with particular attention to the human
rights of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, in order to prevent acts of
racial discrimination and xenophobia and to avoid situations where prejudices
lead to decisions based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or related
intolerance;
139. Urges
States to provide or strengthen training for law enforcement, immigration and
other relevant officials in the prevention of trafficking in persons. The training should focus on methods
used in preventing such trafficking, prosecuting the traffickers and protecting
the rights of victims, including protecting the victims from the
traffickers. The training should
also take into account the need to consider human rights and child- and
gender-sensitive issues and it should encourage cooperation with
non-governmental organizations, other relevant organizations and other elements
of civil society;
4. Information,
communication and the media, including new technologies
140. Welcomes
the positive contribution made by the new information and communications
technologies, including the Internet, in combating racism through rapid and
wide-reaching communication;
141. Draws
attention to the potential to increase the use of the new information and
communications technologies, including the Internet, to create educational and
awareness-raising networks against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, both in and out of school, as well as the ability of
the Internet to promote universal respect for human rights and also respect for
the value of cultural diversity;
142. Emphasizes
the importance of recognizing the value of cultural diversity and of putting in
place concrete measures to encourage the access of marginalized communities to
the mainstream and alternative media through, inter alia, the
presentation of programmes that reflect their cultures and languages;
143. Expresses
concern at the material progression of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, including their contemporary forms and
manifestations, such as the use of the new information and communications
technologies, including the Internet, to disseminate ideas of racial
superiority;
144. Urges
States and encourages the private sector to promote the development by the
media, including the print and electronic media, including the Internet and
advertising, taking into account their independence, through their relevant
associations and organizations at the national, regional and international
levels, of a voluntary ethical code of conduct and self‑regulatory measures, and
of policies and practices aimed at:
(a) Combating
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
(b) Promoting
the fair, balanced and equitable representation of the diversity of their
societies, as well as ensuring that this diversity is reflected among their
staff;
(c) Combating
the proliferation of ideas of racial superiority, justification of racial
hatred and discrimination in any form;
(d) Promoting
respect, tolerance and understanding among all individuals, peoples, nations
and civilizations, for example through assistance in public awareness-raising
campaigns;
(e) Avoiding
stereotyping in all its forms, and particularly the promotion of false images
of migrants, including migrant workers, and refugees, in order to prevent the
spread of xenophobic sentiments among the public and to encourage the objective
and balanced portrayal of people, events and history;
145. Urges
States to implement legal sanctions, in accordance with relevant international
human rights law, in respect of incitement to racial hatred through new
information and communications technologies, including the Internet, and
further urges them to apply all relevant human rights instruments to which they
are parties, in particular the International Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to racism on the Internet;
146. Urges
States to encourage the media to avoid stereotyping based on racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
147. Calls
upon States to consider the following, taking fully into account existing
international and regional standards on freedom of expression, while taking all
necessary measures to guarantee the right to freedom of opinion and expression:
(a) Encouraging
Internet service providers to establish and disseminate specific voluntary
codes of conduct and self-regulatory measures against the dissemination of
racist messages and those that result in racial discrimination, xenophobia or
any form of intolerance and discrimination; to that end, Internet providers are
encouraged to set up mediating bodies at national and international levels,
involving relevant civil society institutions;
(b) Adopting
and applying, to the extent possible, appropriate legislation for prosecuting those
responsible for incitement to racial hatred or violence through the new
information and communications technologies, including the Internet;
(c) Addressing
the problem of dissemination of racist material through the new information and
communications technologies, including the Internet, inter alia by
imparting training to law enforcement authorities;
(d) Denouncing
and actively discouraging the transmission of racist and xenophobic messages
through all communications media, including new information and communications
technologies, such as the Internet;
(e) Considering
a prompt and coordinated international response to the rapidly evolving
phenomenon of the dissemination of hate speech and racist material through the
new information and communications technologies, including the Internet; and in
this context strengthening international cooperation;
(f) Encouraging
access and use by all people of the Internet as an international and equal
forum, aware that there are disparities in use of and access to the Internet;
(g) Examining
ways in which the positive contribution made by the new information and
communications technologies, such as the Internet, can be enhanced through
replication of good practices in combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
(h) Encouraging
the reflection of the diversity of societies among the personnel of media
organizations and the new information and communications technologies, such as
the Internet, by promoting adequate representation of different segments within
societies at all levels of their organizational structure;
B. International level
148. Urges
all actors on the international scene to build an international order based on
inclusion, justice, equality and equity, human dignity, mutual understanding
and promotion of and respect for cultural diversity and universal human rights,
and to reject all doctrines of exclusion based on racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
149. Believes
that all conflicts and disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and
political dialogue. The Conference
calls on all parties involved in such conflicts to exercise restraint and to
respect human rights and international humanitarian law;
150. Calls
upon States, in opposing all forms of racism, to recognize the need to
counter anti‑Semitism, anti-Arabism and Islamophobia world-wide, and urges all
States to take effective measures to prevent the emergence of movements based
on racism and discriminatory ideas concerning these communities;
151. As
for the situation in the Middle East, calls for the end of violence and
the swift resumption of negotiations, respect for international human rights
and humanitarian law, respect for the principle of self-determination and the
end of all suffering, thus allowing Israel and the Palestinians to resume the
peace process, and to develop and prosper in security and freedom;
152. Encourages
States, regional and international organizations, including financial
institutions, as well as civil society, to address within existing mechanisms,
or where necessary to put in place and/or develop mechanisms, to address those
aspects of globalization which may lead to racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
153. Recommends
that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the Secretariat and other
concerned United Nations agencies, bodies and programmes strengthen their
coordination to discern patterns of serious violations of human rights and
humanitarian law with a view to assessing the risk of further deterioration
that could lead to genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity;
154. Encourages
the World Health Organization and other relevant international organizations to
promote and develop activities for the recognition of the impact of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as significant social
determinants of physical and mental health status, including the HIV/AIDS
pandemic, and access to health care, and to prepare specific projects,
including research, to ensure equitable health systems for the victims;
155. Encourages
the International Labour Organization to carry out activities and programmes to
combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the
world of work, and to support actions of States, employers’ organizations and
trade unions in this field;
156. Urges
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to provide
support to States in the preparation of teaching materials and tools for
promoting teaching, training and educational activities relating to human
rights and the struggle against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance;
157. Recognizes
the efforts of developing countries, in particular the commitment and the
determination of the African leaders, to seriously address the challenges of
poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion, economic
disparities, instability and insecurity, through initiatives such as the New
African Initiative and other innovative mechanisms such as the World Solidarity
Fund for the Eradication of Poverty, and calls upon developed countries, the
United Nations and its specialized agencies, as well as international financial
institutions, to provide, through their operational programmes, new and
additional financial resources, as appropriate, to support these initiatives;
158. Recognizes
that these historical injustices have undeniably contributed to the poverty,
underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion, economic disparities,
instability and insecurity that affect many people in different parts of the
world, in particular in developing countries. The Conference recognizes the need to develop programmes for
the social and economic development of these societies and the Diaspora, within
the framework of a new partnership based on the spirit of solidarity and mutual
respect, in the following areas:
Debt
relief;
Poverty
eradication;
Building
or strengthening democratic institutions;
Promotion
of foreign direct investment;
Market
access;
Intensifying efforts to meet the
internationally agreed targets for official development assistance transfers to
developing countries;
New
information and communication technologies bridging the digital divide;
Agriculture
and food security;
Transfer
of technology;
Transparent
and accountable governance;
Investment in health
infrastructure tackling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, including through
the Global AIDS and Health Fund;
Infrastructure
development;
Human
resource development, including capacity-building;
Education,
training and cultural development;
Mutual legal assistance in the
repatriation of illegally obtained and illegally transferred (stashed) funds,
in accordance with national and international instruments;
Illicit
traffic in small arms and light weapons;
Restitution of art objects,
historical artefacts and documents to their countries of origin, in accordance
with bilateral agreements or international instruments;
Trafficking
in persons, particularly women and children;
Facilitation
of welcomed return and resettlement of the descendants of enslaved Africans;
159. Urges
international financial and development institutions and the operational
programmes and specialized agencies of the United Nations to give greater
priority to, and allocate appropriate funding for, programmes addressing the
development challenges of the affected States and societies, in particular
those on the African continent and in the Diaspora;
Legal assistance
160. Urges
States to take all necessary measures to address, as a matter of urgency, the
pressing requirement for justice for the victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and to ensure that victims
have full access to information, support, effective protection and national,
administrative and judicial remedies, including the right to seek just and
adequate reparation or satisfaction for damage, as well as legal assistance,
where required;
161. Urges
States to facilitate for victims of racial discrimination, including victims of
torture and ill-treatment, access to all appropriate legal procedures and free
legal assistance in a manner adapted to their specific needs and vulnerability,
including through legal representation;
162. Urges
States to ensure the protection against victimization of complainants and
witnesses of acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, and to consider measures such as, where appropriate, making legal
assistance, including legal aid, available to complainants seeking a legal
remedy and, if possible, affording the possibility for non‑governmental
organizations to support complainants of racism, with their consent, in legal
procedures;
National legislation and programmes
163. For
the purposes of effectively combating racism and racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance in the civil, political, economic, social
and cultural fields, the Conference recommends to all States that their
national legislative framework should expressly and specifically prohibit
racial discrimination and provide effective judicial and other remedies or
redress, including through the designation of national, independent,
specialized bodies;
164. Urges
States, with regard to the procedural remedies provided for in their domestic
law, to bear in mind the following considerations:
(a) Access
to such remedies should be widely available, on a non-discriminatory and equal
basis;
(b) Existing
procedural remedies should be made known in the context of the relevant action,
and victims of racial discrimination should be helped to avail themselves of
them in accordance with the particular case;
(c) Inquiries
into complaints of racial discrimination and the adjudication of such
complaints must be carried out as rapidly as possible;
(d) Persons
who are victims of racial discrimination should be accorded legal assistance
and aid in complaint proceedings, where applicable free of charge, and, where
necessary, should be provided with the help of competent interpreters in such
complaint proceedings or in any civil or criminal cases arising therefrom or
connected thereto;
(e) The
creation of competent national bodies to investigate effectively allegations of
racial discrimination and to give protection to complainants against
intimidation or harassment is a desirable development and should be undertaken;
steps should be taken towards the enactment of legislation to prohibit
discriminatory practices on grounds of race, colour, descent, or national or
ethnic origin, and to provide for the application of appropriate penalties
against offenders and remedies, including adequate compensation, for the
victims;
(f) Access
to legal remedies should be facilitated for victims of discrimination and, in
this regard, the innovation of conferring a capacity on national and other
institutions, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations, to assist
such victims should be seriously considered, and programmes should be developed
to enable the most vulnerable groups to have access to the legal system;
(g) New
and innovative methods and procedures of conflict resolution, mediation
and conciliation between parties involved in conflicts or disputes based
on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance should be
explored and, where possible, established;
(h) The
development of restorative justice policies and programmes for the benefit of
victims of relevant forms of discrimination is desirable and should be
seriously considered;
(i) States
which have made the declaration under article 14 of the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination should make
increased efforts to inform their public of the existence of the complaints
mechanism under article 14;
Remedies, reparations, compensation
165. Urges
States to reinforce protection against racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance by ensuring that all persons have access to
effective and adequate remedies and enjoy the right to seek from competent
national tribunals and other national institutions just and adequate reparation
and satisfaction for any damage as a result of such discrimination. It further underlines the importance of
access to the law and to the courts for complainants of racism and racial
discrimination and draws attention to the need for judicial and other remedies
to be made widely known, easily accessible, expeditious and not unduly
complicated;
166. Urges
States to adopt the necessary measures, as provided by national law, to ensure
the right of victims to seek just and adequate reparation and satisfaction to
redress acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, and to design effective measures to prevent the repetition of such
acts;
167. Calls
upon States to apply diligently all commitments undertaken by them in the
declarations and plans of action of the regional conferences in which they
participated, and to formulate national policies and action plans to combat racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in compliance with
the objectives set forth therein, and as provided for in other relevant
instruments and decisions; and further requests that, in cases where such
national policies and action plans to combat racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance already exist, States incorporate in them
the commitments arising from their regional conferences;
168. Urges
States that have not yet done so to consider acceding to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977, as well as
to other treaties of international humanitarian law, and to enact, with the
highest priority, appropriate legislation, taking the measures required to give
full effect to their obligations under international humanitarian law, in
particular in relation to the rules prohibiting discrimination;
169. Urges
States to develop cooperation programmes to promote equal opportunities for the
benefit of victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance and encourages them to propose the creation of multilateral
cooperation programmes with the same objective;
170. Invites
States to include the subject of the struggle against racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance in the work programmes of the regional
integration agencies and of the regional cross‑boundary dialogue forums;
171. Urges
States to recognize the challenges that people of different socially
constructed races, colours, descent, national or ethnic origins, religions and
languages experience in seeking to live together and to develop harmonious
multiracial and multicultural societies; also urges States to recognize that
the positive examples of relatively successful multiracial and multicultural
societies, such as some of those in the Caribbean region, need to be examined
and analysed, and that techniques, mechanisms, policies and programmes for
reconciling conflicts based on factors related to race, colour, descent,
language, religion, or national or ethnic origin and for developing harmonious
multiracial and multicultural societies need to be systematically considered
and developed, and therefore requests the United Nations and its relevant
specialized agencies to consider establishing an international centre for
multiracial and multicultural studies and policy development to undertake this
critical work for the benefit of the international community;
172. Urges
States to protect the national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic
identity of minorities within their respective territories and to develop
appropriate legislative and other measures to encourage conditions for the
promotion of that identity, in order to protect them from any form of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. In this context, forms of multiple
discrimination should be fully taken into account;
173. Further
urges States to ensure the equal protection and promotion of the identities
of the historically disadvantaged communities in those unique circumstances
where this may be appropriate;
174. Urges
States to take or strengthen measures, including through bilateral or
multilateral cooperation, to address root causes, such as poverty,
underdevelopment and lack of equal opportunity, some of which may be associated
with discriminatory practices, that make persons, especially women and
children, vulnerable to trafficking, which may give rise to racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
175. Encourages
States, in cooperation with non‑governmental organizations, to undertake
campaigns aimed at clarifying opportunities, limitations and rights in the
event of migration, so as to enable everyone, in particular women, to make
informed decisions and to prevent them from becoming victims of trafficking;
176. Urges
States to adopt and implement social development policies based on reliable
statistical data and centred on the attainment, by the year 2015, of the
commitments to meet the basic needs of all set forth in paragraph 36 of the
Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development, held at
Copenhagen in 1995, with a view to closing significantly the existing gaps in
living conditions faced by victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, especially regarding the illiteracy rate, universal
primary education, infant mortality, under‑five child mortality, health,
reproductive health care for all and access to safe drinking water. Promotion of gender equality will also
be taken into account in the adoption and implementation of these policies;
International legal framework
177. Urges
States to continue cooperating with the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination and other human rights treaty monitoring bodies in order to
promote, including by means of a constructive and transparent dialogue, the
effective implementation of the instruments concerned and proper consideration
of the recommendations adopted by these bodies with regard to complaints of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
178. Requests
adequate resources for the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination in order to enable it to discharge its mandate fully and
stresses the importance of providing adequate resources for all the United
Nations human rights treaty bodies;
General international instruments
179. Endorses
efforts of the international community, in particular steps taken under the
auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, to promote respect for and preserve cultural diversity within and
between communities and nations with a view to creating a harmonious
multicultural world, including elaboration of a possible international
instrument in this respect in a manner consistent with international human
rights instruments;
180. Invites
the United Nations General Assembly to consider elaborating an integral and
comprehensive international convention to protect and promote the rights and
dignity of disabled people, including, especially, provisions that address the
discriminatory practices and treatment affecting them;
Regional/international cooperation
181. Invites
the Inter‑Parliamentary Union to contribute to the activities of the
International Year of Mobilization against Racism, Racial Discrimination,
Xenophobia and Related Intolerance by encouraging national parliaments to
review progress on the objectives of the Conference;
182. Encourages
States to participate in regional dialogues on problems of migration and
invites them to consider negotiating bilateral and regional agreements on
migrant workers and designing and implementing programmes with States of other
regions to protect the rights of migrants;
183. Urges
States, in consultation with civil society, to support or otherwise establish,
as appropriate, regional, comprehensive dialogues on the causes and
consequences of migration that focus not only on law enforcement and border
control, but also on the promotion and protection of the human rights of
migrants and on the relationship between migration and development;
184. Encourages
international organizations having mandates dealing specifically with migration
issues to exchange information and coordinate their activities on matters
involving racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
against migrants, including migrant workers, with the support of the Office of
the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;
185. Expresses
its deep concern over the severity of the humanitarian suffering of
affected civilian populations and the burden carried by many receiving
countries, particularly developing countries and countries in transition, and
requests the relevant international institutions to ensure that urgent adequate
financial and humanitarian assistance is maintained for the host countries to
enable them to help the victims and to address, on an equitable basis,
difficulties of populations expelled from their homes, and calls for sufficient
safeguards to enable refugees to exercise freely their right of return to their
countries of origin voluntarily, in safety and dignity;
186. Encourages
States to conclude bilateral, subregional, regional and international
agreements to address the problem of trafficking in women and children, in
particular girls, as well as the smuggling of migrants;
187. Calls
upon States, to promote, as appropriate, exchanges at the regional and
international levels among independent national institutions and, as
applicable, other relevant independent bodies with a view to enhancing
cooperation to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
188. Urges
States to support the activities of regional bodies or centres which combat
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance where they
exist in their region, and recommends the establishment of such bodies or
centres in all regions where they do not exist. These bodies or centres may undertake the following
activities, amongst others: assess
and follow up the situation of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance, and of individuals or groups of individuals who are
victims thereof or subject thereto; identify trends, issues and problems;
collect, disseminate and exchange information, inter alia relevant to
the outcome of the regional conferences and the World Conference, and build
networks to these ends; highlight examples of good practices; organize
awareness-raising campaigns; develop proposals, solutions and preventive
measures, where possible and appropriate, through joint efforts by coordinating
with the United Nations, regional organizations and States and national human
rights institutions;
189. Urges
international organizations, within their mandates, to contribute to the fight
against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
190. Encourages
financial and development institutions and the operational programmes and
specialized agencies of the United Nations, in accordance with their regular
budgets and the procedures of their governing bodies:
(a) To
assign particular priority and allocate sufficient funding, within their areas
of competence and budgets, to improve the situation of victims of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in order to combat
manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, and to include them in the development and implementation of
projects concerning them;
(b) To
integrate human rights principles and standards into their policies and
programmes;
(c) To
consider including in their regular reporting to their boards of governors
information on their contribution to promoting the participation of victims of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance within their
programmes and activities, and information on the efforts taken to facilitate
such participation and to ensure that these policies and practices contribute
to the eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
(d) To
examine how their policies and practices affect victims of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and to ensure that these
policies and practices contribute to the eradication of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
191. (a) Calls
upon States to elaborate action plans in consultation with national human
rights institutions, other institutions created by law to combat racism, and
civil society and to provide the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights with such action plans and other relevant materials on the measures
undertaken in order to implement provisions of the present Declaration and the
Programme of Action;
(b) Requests
the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in follow-up to the
Conference, to cooperate with five independent eminent experts, one from each
region, appointed by the Secretary-General from among candidates proposed by
the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, after consultation with the
regional groups, to follow the implementation of the provisions of the
Declaration and Programme of Action.
An annual progress report on the implementation of these provisions will
be presented by the High Commissioner to the Commission on Human Rights and to
the General Assembly, taking into account information and views provided by
States, relevant human rights treaty bodies, special procedures and other
mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights of the United Nations,
international, regional and non-governmental organizations and national human
rights institutions;
(c) Welcomes
the intention of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to
establish, within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, an anti‑discrimination
unit to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance and to promote equality and non-discrimination, and invites her to
consider the inclusion in its mandate of, inter alia, the compilation of
information on racial discrimination and its development, and on legal and
administrative support and advice to victims of racial discrimination and the
collection of background materials provided by States, international, regional
and non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions under
the follow-up mechanism of the Conference;
(d) Recommends
that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in cooperation with
States, international, regional and non-governmental organizations and national
human rights institutions, create a database containing information on
practical means to address racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance, particularly international and regional instruments and national
legislation, including anti-discrimination legislation, as well as legal means
to combat racial discrimination; remedies available through international
mechanisms to victims of racial discrimination, as well as national remedies;
educational and preventive programmes implemented in various countries and
regions; best practices to address racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance; opportunities for technical cooperation; and academic
studies and specialized documents; and ensure that such a database is as
accessible as possible to those in authority and the public at large, through
its Web site and by other appropriate means;
192. Invites
the United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization to continue to organize high‑level and other meetings on the
Dialogue among Civilizations and, for this purpose, to mobilize funds and
promote partnerships;
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
193. Encourages
the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue and expand
the appointment and designation of goodwill ambassadors in all countries of the
world in order, inter alia, to promote respect for human rights and a
culture of tolerance and to increase the level of awareness about the scourge
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
194. Calls
upon the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue its
efforts further to increase awareness of the work of the Committee on the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination and the other United Nations human rights treaty
bodies;
195. Invites
the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in consultation with the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and non‑governmental
organizations active in the field of the promotion and protection of human
rights, to undertake regular consultations with them and to encourage research
activities aimed at collecting, maintaining and adapting the technical,
scientific, educational and information materials produced by all cultures
around the world to fight racism;
196. Requests
the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to pay special attention
to violations of the human rights of victims of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, in particular migrants, including migrant
workers, to promote international cooperation in combating xenophobia and, to
this end, to develop programmes which can be implemented in countries on the
basis of appropriate cooperation agreements;
197. Invites
States to assist the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in
developing and funding, upon the request of States, specific technical
cooperation projects aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance;
198. (a) Invites
the Commission on Human Rights to include in the mandates of the special
rapporteurs and working groups of the Commission, in particular the Special
Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, recommendations that they consider the relevant
provisions of the Declaration and the Programme of Action while exercising
their mandates, in particular reporting to the General Assembly and the Commission
on Human Rights, and also to consider any other appropriate means to
follow up on the outcome on the Conference;
(b) Calls
upon States to cooperate with the relevant special procedures of the
Commission on Human Rights and other mechanisms of the United Nations in
matters pertaining to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, in particular with the special rapporteurs, independent experts
and special representatives;
199. Recommends
that the Commission on Human Rights prepare complementary international
standards to strengthen and update international instruments against racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all their aspects;
Decades
200. Urges
States and the international community to support the activities of the
Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination;
201. Recommends
that the General Assembly consider declaring a United Nations year or decade
against trafficking in persons, especially in women, youth and children, in
order to protect their dignity and human rights;
202. Urges
States, in close cooperation with the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization, to promote the implementation of the
Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the objectives of
the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non‑Violence for the
Children of the World, which started in 2001, and invites the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to
contribute to these activities;
Indigenous peoples
203. Recommends
that the United Nations Secretary‑General conduct an evaluation of the results
of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (1995‑2004) and
make recommendations concerning how to mark the end of the Decade, including an
appropriate follow‑up;
204. Requests
States to ensure adequate funding for the establishment of an operational
framework and a firm basis for the future development of the Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues within the United Nations system;
205. Urges
States to cooperate with the work of the Special Rapporteur on the situation
of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people and requests
the Secretary‑General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights to ensure that the Special Rapporteur is provided with all the necessary
human, technical and financial resources to fulfil his responsibilities;
206. Calls
upon States to conclude negotiations on and approve as soon as possible the
text of the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples, under
discussion by the working group of the Commission on Human Rights to elaborate
a draft declaration, in accordance with Commission resolution 1995/32 of 3
March 1995;
207. Urges
States, in the light of the relationship between racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance and poverty, marginality and social
exclusion of peoples and individuals at both the national and international
levels, to enhance their policies and measures to reduce income and wealth
inequalities and to take appropriate steps, individually and through
international cooperation, to promote and protect economic, social and cultural
rights on a non‑discriminatory basis;
208. Urges
States and international financial and development institutions to mitigate any
negative effects of globalization by examining, inter alia, how their
policies and practices affect national populations in general and indigenous
peoples in particular; by ensuring that their policies and practices contribute
to the eradication of racism through the participation of national populations
and, in particular, indigenous peoples in development projects; by further
democratizing international financial institutions; and by consulting with
indigenous peoples on any matter that may affect their physical, spiritual or
cultural integrity;
209. Invites
financial and development institutions and the operational programmes and
specialized agencies of the United Nations, in accordance with their regular
budgets and the procedures of their governing bodies:
(a) To
assign particular priority to and allocate sufficient funding, within their
areas of competence, to the improvement of the status of indigenous peoples,
with special attention to the needs of these populations in developing
countries, including the preparation of specific programmes with a view to
achieving the objectives of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous
People;
(b) To
carry out special projects, through appropriate channels and in collaboration
with indigenous peoples, to support their initiatives at the community level
and to facilitate the exchange of information and technical know‑how between
indigenous peoples and experts in these areas;
Civil society
210. Calls
upon States to strengthen cooperation, develop partnerships and consult
regularly with non‑governmental organizations and all other sectors of the
civil society to harness their experience and expertise, thereby contributing
to the development of legislation,
policies and other governmental initiatives, as well as involving them more
closely in the elaboration and implementation of policies and programmes
designed to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance;
211. Urges
leaders of religious communities to continue to confront racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance through, inter alia,
promotion and sponsoring of dialogue and partnerships to bring about
reconciliation, healing and harmony within and among societies, invites
religious communities to participate in promoting economic and social
revitalization and encourages religious leaders to foster greater cooperation
and contact between diverse racial groups;
212. Urges
States to establish and strengthen effective partnerships with and provide
support, as appropriate, to all relevant actors of civil society, including non‑governmental
organizations working to promote gender equality and the advancement of women,
particularly women subject to multiple discrimination, and to promote an
integrated and holistic approach to the elimination of all forms of
discrimination against women and girls;
Non-governmental organizations
213. Urges
States to provide an open and conducive environment to enable non‑governmental
organizations to function freely and openly within their societies and thereby
make an effective contribution to the elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance throughout the world, and to
promote a wider role for grass‑roots organizations;
214. Calls
upon States to explore means to expand the role of non‑governmental
organizations in society through, in particular, deepening the ties of
solidarity amongst citizens and promoting greater trust across racial and
social class divides by promoting wider citizen involvement and more voluntary
cooperation;
The private sector
215. Urges
States to take measures, including, where appropriate, legislative measures, to
ensure that transnational corporations and other foreign enterprises operating
within their national territories conform to precepts and practices of
non-racism and non-discrimination, and further encourages the business sector,
including transnational corporations and foreign enterprises, to collaborate
with trade unions and other relevant sectors of civil society to develop
voluntary codes of conduct for all businesses, designed to prevent, address and
eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
Youth
216. Urges
States to encourage the full and active participation of, as well as involve
more closely, youth in the elaboration, planning and implementation of
activities to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, and calls upon States, in partnership with non‑governmental
organizations and other sectors of society, to facilitate both national and
international youth dialogue on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance, through the World Youth Forum of the United Nations system
and through the use of new technologies, exchanges and other means;
217. Urges
States to encourage and facilitate the establishment and maintenance of youth
mechanisms, set up by youth organizations and young women and men themselves,
in the spirit of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance, through such activities as: disseminating and exchanging information and building
networks to these ends; organizing awareness-raising campaigns and participating
in multicultural education programmes; developing proposals and solutions,
where possible and appropriate; cooperating and consulting regularly with
non-governmental organizations and other actors in civil society in developing
initiatives and programmes that promote intercultural exchange and dialogue;
218. Urges
States, in cooperation with intergovernmental organizations, the International
Olympic Committee and international and regional sports federations, to
intensify the fight against racism in sport by, among other things, educating
the youth of the world through sport practised without discrimination of any
kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires human understanding, tolerance,
fair play and solidarity;
219. Recognizes
that the success of this Programme of Action will require political will and
adequate funding at the national, regional and international levels, and
international cooperation.
Notes
[1] For the purpose of
this Declaration and Programme of Action, it was understood that the term
“gender” refers to the two sexes, male and female, within the context of
society. The term “gender” does not indicate any meaning different from the
above.
[2] Reference should be
made to chapter VII of the report of the Conference, which lists all the
reservations to and statements on the Declaration and the Programme of Action.