UNITED NATIONS		E
	Economic and Social Council	Distr. GENERAL E/CN.4/2002/21 4 March 2002 Original: ENGLISH

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Fifty-eighth session

Item 6 of the provisional agenda

Introduction

I. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE THIRD DECADE TO COMBAT RACISM AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND OF ACTIVITIES

II. SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON CONTEMPORARY OF RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE

III. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

IV. WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE

GE.02-11150 (E) 120302

1. In paragraph 70 of its resolution 2001/5, the Commission on Human Rights requested the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Commission at its fifty-seventh session on the implementation of its resolution under the agenda item entitled "Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination". The present report is submitted pursuant to that resolution.

2. The report makes reference to the specific requests of the Commission in resolution 2001/5, and action taken to date to implement those requests. In the context of reporting to the Commission, the report also contains information regarding follow-up and implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.

3. Commission resolution 2001/5 regarding the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and coordination of activities contains no specific requests to the Secretary-General. It is to be noted that the interim anti-discrimination unit established within OHCHR has been assigned responsibility for the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. It is also to be noted that the Commission, in its previous resolution 1998/26, requested in paragraph 59 "that the activities of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination be focused towards the preparatory process for the World Conference ... ". In this regard, attention is drawn to the report of the Secretary-General on the Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination submitted to the General Assembly at its fifty-sixth session (A/56/481). The interim anti-discrimination unit will have as an important focus of its work to undertake those activities of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination that have not yet been implemented.

4. Concerning specific requests made in Commission resolution 2001/5 to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, attention is drawn to the report of the Special Rapporteur to the fifty-eighth session of the Commission (E/CN.4/2002/24).

5. In paragraph 39 of its resolution, the Commission requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to "continue to undertake research and consultations on the use of the Internet for purposes of incitement to racial hatred, racist propaganda and xenophobia, to study ways of promoting international cooperation in this area, and to draw up a programme of human rights education and exchanges over the Internet on experience in the struggle against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism". In response to this request, OHCHR submitted a report to the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference on the use of the Internet for purposes of incitement to racial hatred, racist propaganda and xenophobia, and on possible ways of promoting international cooperation in this area (A/CONF.189/PC.2/12).

6. It is recalled that OHCHR had previously already undertaken a number of actions concerning this subject. On 20 May 1999, the High Commissioner sent a letter to States and organizations inviting comments and asking for information and views with regard to this subject. The results of these consultations were submitted to the first session of the Preparatory Committee (A/CONF.189/PC.1/5).

7. Furthermore, the expert seminar on remedies available to the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, held from 16 to 18 February 2000, had as one of its themes "Racism on the Internet: legal and technical questions". The report of the seminar (A/CONF.189/PC.1/8) contained the conclusions and recommendations of the experts. This meeting followed two previous seminars that OHCHR had held which focused on the question of the Internet and its use for the purpose of incitement to racial hatred and the dissemination of racist propaganda, as well as on ways to promote international cooperation in this area. (See the report of the expert seminar on the role of the Internet in the light of the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (E/CN.4/1998/77/Add.2) and the report of the United Nations seminar to assess the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination with particular reference to articles 4 and 6 (E/CN.4/1997/68/Add.1).)

8. Regarding the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, attention is drawn to the most recent report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to the General Assembly (A/56/18), which provides information on the International Convention and its application.

9. In its resolution 52/111, the General Assembly decided to convene a World

Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held not later than 2001. The Conference was held from 31 August to 7 September 2001, in Durban, South Africa. For information regarding the outcome of the Conference, attention is drawn to the report of the Conference (A/CONF.189/12).

10. This part of the report contains information regarding follow-up to the Conference.

11. On 5 November 2001, OHCHR sent a note verbale to States requesting information on possible follow-up activities to the Conference. The responses received are summarized below.

12. The Government of Argentina reported that it held a meeting on 10 December to discuss the implementation of the regional workshop on economic, cultural and social rights held in October in Buenos Aires and to discuss the outcomes of the Durban Conference and plans for implementation of the outcome. A number of civil society actors, representatives of municipal and provincial governments, and academics participated in this meeting organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative. The meeting primarily discussed the development of national plans of action, pursuant to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Argentina reported that its action plan will also include the creation of a national institution to coordinate all the implementation activities. The Government intends to carry out consultations at the grass-roots level and will also involve legislative authorities and academics. It plans to consult with the United Nations on such methodologies as well. Argentina reported that it expects this plan of action to be in place by 10 December 2002.

13. The Government of Colombia indicated that it planned to continue its national efforts to combat racial discrimination. Colombia ratified Law 649 of 2001 which implements article 176 of the Political Constitution of Colombia. It concerns the composition of the Chamber of Representatives and designates seats to identified minority groups, including Blacks and indigenous representatives. The Government has also prepared a policy paper on the Afro-Colombian population that will soon be approved by the National Council on Policy. Several sectors of Colombian society which deal with racial and ethnic matters will participate in ared a policy paper on the Afro-Colombian population that will soon be approved by the National Council on Policy. Several sectors of Colombian society which deal with racial and ethnic matters will participate in the development of a national action pn as envisaged in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

14. The Government of Cuba reported that a population census is planned to take place in 14. The Government of Cuba reported that a population census is planned to take place in 2002 that will take into account current statistical indicators to give a better understanding of t situation and composition of Cuban society. The Government stated that it gives special importance to the rapid implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, particularly actions intended to alleviate the suffering of descendants of slavery, indigenous groups and victims of colonialism. Cuba stated that it also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation with respect to: (i) creating an international order grounded in equality, solidarity and social justice; (ii) the redistribution of wealth between and inside countries; (iii) universal ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; (iv) a unit to combat racism at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; (v) progressive development of international human rights instruments on the human rights of disabled persons; (vi) extra efforts to finalize the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples; (vii) promoting cultural development as a basis for fostering respect for diversity; (viii) giving priority to human rights and education in order to eradicate illiteracy; (ix) pect for diversity; (viii) giving priority to human rights and education in order to eradicate illiteracy; (ix) to promote ethical codes in international communication (especially in the realm of new technologies such as the Internet

15. The Government of the Czech Republic stated that it intends to take steps to implement the provisions of the Durban Programme of Action. The Standing Inter-Ministerial Commission to Combat Extremism, Racism and Xenophobia was established on 8 November 2001 and is tasked with reviewing the fulfilment of current initiatives to combat extremism, racism and xenophobia in the Czech Republic. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will incorporate the commitments arising from the Durban Programme of Action into the document prepared by the Standing Committee. The Czech Republic also plans to establish a national plan of action to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, with the involvement of all relevant ministries, authorities, organs and non-governmental organizations. The Government will continue to work with the NGO, Human Being in Need, in its campaign against ernmental organizations. The Government will continue to work with the NGO, Human Being in Need, in its campaign against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the Czech medi

16. The Government of Germany reported on a number of national measures against right-wing extremism, racism and xenophobia. The Government stated that it supports the implementation of the package of measures pursuant to article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam for fighting discrimination, racism and xenophobia. It is also drafting an anti-discrimination act under civil law and under labour law. In September 2001, the Government signed a document under which it declared that it recognizes the individual complaint procedure under article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

17. The Government of Morocco reported that it had canvassed its national institution for 17. The Government of Morocco reported that it had canvassed its national institution for information about follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. A colquium on the Conference will be organized in order to inform and sensitize the general quium on the Conference will be organized in order to inform and sensitize the general public about the importance and universal application of the documents adopted in Durban. The Moroccan national institution also plans to publish in Arabic a study othe norms contained he norms contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; a French version of the study was published in 200

18. The Government of Romania responded that it is planning a number of legislative and 18. The Government of Romania responded that it is planning a number of legislative and institutional actions, including ratification othe European Charter for Regional or Minority the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and the application and development of the government ordinances on anti-discrimination and on refugees, adopted in 2000. The project to establish a national council against discrimination is in ace and the Government hopes to approve it in the coming ce and the Government hopes to approve it in the coming weeks. The Government will continue to pay particular attention to its comprehensive long-term (2001-2010) programme to improve the situation of Roma. Romania also plans to make the declaration rognizing the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination pursuant to article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Furthermore, it was indicated that a number of meetings and seminars will be held in Romania by non-governmental organizations, and other activities will take place in cooperation or consultation with NGOs.

19. The Government of the Russian Federation reported that just before the World Conference, the Government had approved a comprehensive federal programme entitled, "The Formation of the Establishment of a Consciousness of Tolerance and Prevention of Extremism in the Russian Federation (2001-2005)". The programme was prepared using, among other things, the results of preparatory work for the World Conference. The Government also states that the documents that were adopted in Durban will be taken into consideration during the implementation of this programme.

20. An important follow-up activity is the establishment, on an interim basis, of an Anti-Discrimination Unit within OHCHR. The Anti-Discrimination Unit will principally focus on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, although it will also have responsibility for implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.

21. The Anti-Discrimination Unit will provisionally have the responsibilities described below, although it is noted that the terms of reference may be clarified further following action taken by the General Assembly on the outcome of the World Conference:

(a) To compile and prepare an annual progress report on the action taken by States, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, treaty bodies and human rights mechanisms, national human rights institutions, and non-governmental organizations to implement the Declaration and Programme of Action. The report will be submitted to the Commission on Human Rights and the General Assembly;

(b) To produce and disseminate an annual publication on the progress achieved in implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the difficulties and problems encountered in the process of implementation. This publication will be based on the reports submitted to the Commission on Human Rights and the General Assembly;

(c) To compile and produce other reports on follow-up to the Conference; briefing notes, speeches, progress reports; other documents related to coordination and administrative aspects; fund-raising documents for donor organizations; and project documents for the Office, as and when needed;

(d) To provide backstopping to the group of five independent eminent experts to be xperts to be appointed to follow the implementation of the provisions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action if the proposal is endorsed by the General Assembl

(e) To explore the possibility of establishing and maintaining a database of good practices in addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

(f) To maintain and strengthen the links that were developed around the world during (f) To maintain and strengthen the links that were developed around the world during 2000 and 2001 in the course of the preparations for the Conference with hdreds of non-governmental organizations, including youth groups, and to promote their active involvement in the implementation of the outcome of the Conference;

(g) To continue and strengthen regular liaison with parliamentarians, religious leaders, business and trade unions with a view to promoting their active involvement in the follow-up;

(h) To continue and strengthen active liaison with United Nations agencies and other intergovernmental bodies on Durban follow-up, to organize regular consultations with them and develop and implement joint activities with them;

(i) To seek to include the assessment of progress made towards implementation of the Durban Programme of Action at governmental and expert meetings to be convened by OHCHR at the regional or subregional levels;

(j) To support about 10 selected awareness-building projects within the five regions with national institutions, youth and women's groups, and other interested entities on specific themes and topics relating to the Conference.

New OHCHR web site activities

22. The successful home page and links to related documentation for the World Conference 22. The successful home page and links to related documentation for the World Conference is being converted into a home page for follow-up to the Conference. It will highlight meetings, plans and initiatives of all actors and a major vehicle of communication for the implementation drive. A dedicated web page for indigenous peoples a major vehicle of communication for the implementation drive. A dedicated web page for indigenous peoples was launched on 10 December 2001 on the occasion of Human Rights Day as well as a page on human rights in developmen

Technical cooperation

23. Through its technical cooperation programme, OHCHR is engaged in assisting States in building and strengthening national capacities (structures, institutions, processes), which have a direct impact on the observance of human rights, including combating racial discrimination. Among the various components of its technical cooperation programme, the following have an important relevance in the follow-up to the Conference.

24. National plans of action. OHCHR is providing assistance in the elaboration, development and implementation of national plans of action for human rights and/or for human rights education. A handbook on how to develop such plans has been recently finalized and two compendiums on existing national human rights plans as well as national human rights education plans are also available. OHCHR will respond to requests from Member States for assistance in developing or implementing specific national plans against racial discrimination, which would be part of or complementary to overall human rights/human rights education plans.

25. National institutions. OHCHR actively engaged with national institutions in preparations for, and follow-up to, the Conference. OHCHR will award a number of small grants relating to national institutions for follow-up activities to the Conference at the national level in 2002.

26. At the regional and international levels national institutions have mobilized to discuss 26. At the regional and international levels national institutions have mobilized to discuss how to implement in practical ways what was agreed upon in Durban, including how to give actiono their own joint statement to the World Conference which was adopted on o their own joint statement to the World Conference which was adopted on 1 September 2001. Since the Conference, the following regional meetings have been held where post-Conference issues were discussed

The Sixth Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (Colombo, 24-27 September 2001);

A Danish Centre for Human Rights initiative with Latin American human rights institutions (Copenhagen, 23-25 September 2001) where they discussed various issues including how to implement the Durban Programme of Action and their statement at the national level;

The Second Meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean National Institutions (Athens, The Second Meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean National Institutions (Athens, 1-3 November 2001) where national institutions reviewed issues concerning immigration and racis

27. In addition, with the support of OHCHR, the following regional meetings are planned which will have a direct focus on follow-up to the Conference and anti-discrimination issues:

"Racism, the media and human rights education" a meeting of Asian-Pacific national human rights institutions to be held in the first quarter of 2002, in cooperation with the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions;

"Promoting and protecting reproductive rights of women through the work of national human rights institutions" a joint initiative of OHCHR, the United Nations Population Fund and the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights to be held in the first quarter of a joint initiative of OHCHR, the United Nations Population Fund and the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights to be held in the first quarter of 2002 in Costa Ric

"Indigenous peoples and persons of African descent rights in the Caribbean", a regional meeting of the Network of National Institutions of the Americas to be held in the first quarter of 2002;

The second European Meeting of National Human Rights Institutions, to be held in Dublin and Belfast, Northern Ireland, on dates to be determined, with a focus on refugees and asylum-seekers, minorities, and the prevention of conflict.

28. OHCHR and the Danish Centre for Human Rights have established a web site (www.nhri.net) on national institutions. This includes a section on racism and discrimination issues dealt with by national institutions. This web site will facilitate discussions in order to prepare for the sixth International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions to be held in Copenhagen and Lund, Sweden, from 10 to 13 April 2002. This conference will have as its main theme the follow-up to the World Conference, and discussions will focus on remedies, monitoring, advocacy and education.

29. A large number of national institutions have already begun implementation and planning of activities relating to the World Conference at the national level. Activities relate to the review of national legislation to see how it meets international norms regarding discrimination; the development of national action plans and national and local-level consultations on race; the strengthening of networks; the dissemination of information on race issues and human rights education; and addressing racism on the Internet, slavery and other issues related to the World Conference. Many national institutions used Human Rights Day to launch their World Conference-related initiatives.

30. Education and training. Human rights education aims at preventing discriminatory attitudes and behaviour, combating bias and prejudices and appreciating cultural diversity. OHCHR is carrying out education, training and public information activities in the context of ultural diversity. OHCHR is carrying out education, training and public information activities in the context of individual country projects as well as in connection with the implementation of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-04).

31. Since the World Conference, the contribution of human rights education in combating racial discrimination and specific related activities have been highlighted in various international or regional initiatives organized by various human rights education actors, such as:

The Human Rights Educators' Forum (Corrymeela, United Kingdom, 4-7 October 2001) organized by Amnesty International;

The Seminar on Human Rights Education for a Culture of Peace in Latin America (Caracas, 14-17 October 2001), organized by the Red Latinoamericana de Educaci_n para la Paz y los Derechos Humanos; and

The UNESCO/OHCHR Regional Conference on Human Rights Education in Latin The UNESCO/OHCHR Regional Conference on Human Rights Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (Mexico City, 28 November-1 December 2001), at which representatives orelevant Governments, national human rights institutions, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions adopted the Mexico Declaration, which contains various recommendations for furthering human rights education at the regional, subregional and national levels.

32. In addition, OHCHR is developing specific human rights training materials, within the United Nations Decade on Human Rights Education, aimed at specific professional categories, such as human rights monitors, police, judges, prosecutors and lawyers, and prison officials. In the development of these materials, OHCHR works in close cooperation with relevant experts and professional organizations. These training materials always include a specific component which addresses the contribution that the relevant professions can make in overcoming discrimination while performing their professional duties.

33. Other relevant educational projects undertaken by OHCHR that are relevant to follow-up to the World Conference include:

(a) The ACT (Assisting Communities Together) project, initiated in 1998 in cooperation with UNDP to assist organizations and individuals at the local level in carrying out activities aimed at strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in local communities. Since 1998, 166 projects have been implemented in more than 30 countries; some are aimed at combating discrimination through education;

(b) The OHCHR database on human rights education (www.unhchr.ch/hredu.nsf) and its resource collection on human rights education (publicly accessible at OHCHR in Geneva) include education and training materials to support anti-discrimination programmes.

34. Ratification of international instruments and legislative reform. As part of its

technical cooperation programme, OHCHR works in a number of countries on projects aimed at facilitating the ratification of international human rights treaties and consequent harmonization of domestic legislation. All contain anti-discrimination provisions.

35. Regional institutions and activities. OHCHR works closely with regional organizations and institutions, which have a major role to play in follow-up to the Conference. Activities and projects with those organizations will focus on implementation of the outcome of the Conference as they relate to the various regions as well as implementing regional documents that address issues relevant to the Conference. The United Nations regional commissions and OHCHR regional advisers based at those commissions will have a central element in follow-up by OHCHR at the regional level and within the United Nations country teams.

Human rights monitoring and protection activities

36. Thematic and country mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights. Most of the Commission mandate-holders, both thematic and country oriented, are faced with violations of the human rights of individuals or groups that are due to discriminatory practices based on race, ethnicity, religion or gender.

37. Four thematic rapporteurs were specifically invited by the General Assembly or the Commission to contribute to and participate in the Conference: the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression. The Special Rapporteur on violence against women, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, and the Special Rapporteur on human rights and extreme poverty also attended the World Conference and participated actively in events related to it. All can be expected to maintain a focus on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in their future work. In addition, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living has a mandate to address issues of racial discrimination in the course of his work, and is expected to address themes of the Conference pertinent to his mandate. The link between globalization and racial discrimination will be one of the issues on which the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance will focus his attention in the coming year.

38. Another important area where special procedures mandate-holders are expected to be active in the coming year concerns the human rights of migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, who are among the groups most vulnerable to discrimination. It is noted that since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, migrants and non-nationals have become the object of increased measures of control in a number of countries, putting at risk some of their most fundamental rights. There have also been incidents of violent acts of hate and xenophobia against them. This situation has resulted in an increasing risk of stigmatization of migrants and a perception of migration as a threat to security.

39. At the Conference, States committed themselves to implementing a wide variety of measures to assist migrants, including through national plans of action, to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against migrants, and to ensure that international human rights standards applicable to migrants are respected. It is expected that special procedures mandate-holders will focus their attention in the future on what steps States have taken to implement the commitments made in Durban.

Human rights investigations

40. OHCHR has been involved in a number of important investigations which have addressed the question of impunity for major violations of human rights (e.g. in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Yugoslavia, Liberia and Rwanda). Methodology will be further developed to deal with situations that are relevant to the outcome of the Conference and that may require future action by OHCHR.

Inputs to the human rights treaty bodies system

41. OHCHR staff, including its geographic desk officers, provide input as appropriate to treaty bodies concerning States whose periodic reports are being examined. Special attention will now be given to providing input relevant to the themes of the Conference so that human rights treaty bodies can focus additional attention on the subjects included in the outcome of the Durban process and make recommendations to States parties accordingly. Through briefings and compilation of relevant jurisprudence, OHCHR will also undertake efforts to encourage States parties to make the declaration under article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Indigenous peoples

42. The Conference addressed in detail the situation of indigenous peoples and OHCHR will act to promote implementation of the provisions concerning them, including as the former relate to OHCHR's role concerning the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues scheduled to hold its

first session in May 2002. OHCHR is the lead agency for the Permanent Forum and will take steps to ensure that the commitments made in Durban are brought before the Forum for further rought before the Forum for further consideration as appropriate. OHCHR will also be actively disseminating the new United Nations Guide for Indigenous Peoples

Minorities

43. The Conference recognized that minorities, and issues that concern them, need to receive additional attention from States. Concerted efforts aimed at supporting the effective participation of minorities in public life and the empowerment of minorities for inclusive development are needed. OHCHR has published a new Guide for Minorities, designed to enable rities, designed to enable minorities to understand and participate in the United Nations as well as in regional organizations. The year 2002 will mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belging to National or Ethnic, Religious ing to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. This occasion will provide a special opportunity to move forward on the implementation of provisions applicable to minorities that were agreed to in Durban

HIV/AIDS

44. The Conference recognized the importance of taking action on HIV/AIDS and how the spread of the pandemic can, under certain circumstances, be related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. OHCHR is working closely with UNAIDS to ognized the importance of taking action on HIV/AIDS and how the spread of the pandemic can, under certain circumstances, be related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. OHCHR is working closely with UNAIDS to follow up ocommitments made in Durban in the context of the former's broader programme of activities relating to HIV/AIDS. In October 2001, OHCHR and UNAIDS, together with the Asia Pacific Forum, organized a workshop to enhance awareness of and cooperation on HIV/AIDS-related human rights issues in the Asian-Pacific region through the promotion and strengthening of national human rights institutions. The workshop focused on the right to equality and non-discrimination and on the right to health in particular, and on how the core functions of national human rights institutions - complaint handling and investigation, education and promotion, and legal reform - can address these issues.

45. Other follow-up activities in 2002 will focus on improving accountability in the context of HIV/AIDS, in particular by supporting the human rights treaty bodies and special rapporteurs to address HIV/AIDS-related human rights issues. OHCHR hopes to see the protection and enjoyment of human rights integrated into national responses to the pandemic by supporting the work of national human rights institutions.

46. On 2 November 2001 the High Commissioner sent letters to 22 United Nations bodies, programmes and specialized agencies and to 6 regional organizations requesting information on intended follow-up to the Conference.

47. OHCHR received written contributions from the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Office of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refuge (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Council of Europe and the League of Arab States.

48. During the commemoration of Human Rights Day on 10 December 2001, which was 48. During the commemoration of Human Rights Day on 10 December 2001, which was devoted to an initial stocktaking on plans and activities for the follow-up to the Conference, several organizations, namely UNDP, Hitat, UNHCR, UNESCO, ILO and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), took the floor to give further information about their initiatives.

49. Most organizations have indicated to OHCHR that they intend to familiarize their members and constituencies with the outcome of the Conference, particularly with regard to the paragraphs that are of relevance to their areas of work. The responses received indicate that these organizations have highlighted the outcome of the Conference at internal meetings, as well as through the dissemination of information within their respective internal structures.

50. Concerning initiatives of specific organizations, UNESCO's determination to ensure follow-up to the Conference is reflected in the organization's Medium-Term Strategy for y for 2002-2007 and the Programme and Budget for 2002-2003.UNESCO established an intersectoral working group under the chairmanship of the Assistant Director-General for Social UNESCO established an intersectoral working group under the chairmanship of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences to elaborate a UNESCO plan of action to implement the Duan recommendations. UNESCO will take advantage of its participation in the International Media Working Group against Racism and Xenophobia (IMRAX) of the International Federation of Journalists, particularly with regard to raising awareness within the media and promoting the highest standards of journalism concerning matters of race, tolerance and multiculturalism.

51. UNESCO will continue to produce pedagogical material on human rights education while insisting on the training of educators and decision makers. Several publications will also be prepared within the Slave Route Project. UNESCO will encourage and assist States in revising their educational programmes at all levels to include human rights components and in developing extracurricular activities. The revision of history textbooks to eliminate negative stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes towards those who are different is a priority of UNESCO in this field. The Associated Schools Project Network will pursue the intersectoral project "Breaking the silence - teaching about the Transatlantic slave trade", developed within the context of the Slave Route Project.

52. UNESCO will also undertake specific action within the framework of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010). UNESCO has already responded to a request made in Durban with regard to the elaboration of a possible international instrument to promote respect for and preserve cultural diversity, and adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity at the thirty-first session of its General Conference in November 2001.

53. ILO has indicated that it will continue research, data collection and technical assistance on issues related to racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia in the world of work, including against indigenous and tribal peoples and migrant workers. It will also continue to provide workers' education and management training on issues of discrimination; to support the Global Compact Initiative on Diversity and Equality; to support Governments in their development of laws, policies, and administrative and enforcement mechanisms addressing racial discrimination at the workplace; and to draw the attention of the United Nations treaty bodies to information on discrimination which emerges from its own supervisory mechanisms.

54. ILO is finalizing publications on the effectiveness of anti-discrimination legislation and 54. ILO is finalizing publications on the effectiveness of anti-discrimination legislation and training with a focus on migrant and ethnic minority workers, as well as a practitier's handbook on discrimination against migrants and a compendium of anti-discrimination measures. The ILO Global Report on Discrimination, scheduled for 2003 in the context of the follow-up to the Declaration on Fundamental Rights and Principles at Work, will benefit from the Conference process and will be among the ILO's contributions to its follow-up.

55. ILO and UNCTAD are planning a joint capacity-building activity entitled "Mainstreaming trade issues and fundamental principles and rights at work into developing policy". UNDP launched its policy paper, "UNDP and indigenous peoples: a policy of engagement" in Durban and since then has disseminated the policy as widely as possible. UNDP UNDP will, moreover, support the preparations for, participation innd outcomes of the first session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

56. WHO will be pursuing follow-up to the Conference in the context of equitable health systems. One example of this is its programme on indigenous health. WHO is currently taking initial steps towards the production of a Global Strategy on Indigenous Health. Other initiatives are being undertaken by PAHO, the WHO regional office for the Americas, including publications and the organization of meetings at the national and subregional levels on ethnicity and health related to people of African descent and indigenous peoples.

57. Some organizations, such as ESCWA, will mainstream the outcome of the Conference in their existing projects. ESCWA is also considering organizing a conference on the Dialogue among Civilizations. Other organizations have ongoing programmes that respond to requests made in Durban, for example Habitat's ongoing activities related to the realization of human rights in the context of human settlement, or the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers of the IMF.

58. Some organizations have convened or are going to convene specific meetings on issues addressed in Durban. The League of Arab States organized a high-level meeting on the Dialogue among Civilizations on 26 and 27 November 2001.

59. The OAS will hold an internal meeting in early 2002 to examine the need for the preparation of an inter-American convention against racism and all forms of discrimination and intolerance. A study on "The human rights situation of Afro-descendants in the Americas" is also being prepared.

60. The Council of Europe will organize a meeting for its member States on the follow-up to the European and World Conferences against racism on 27 and 28 February 2002.

61. UNHCR field offices have been encouraged to identify practical steps to ensure implementation of the refugee-related paragraphs adopted at the Conference, and to carry out specific activities in this regard. IPU intends to hold a parliamentary seminar in 2002, in cooperation with UNDP, OHCHR and non-governmental partners, to address problems related to the exercise of freedom of speech. IPU also plans to draw the attention of Parliaments to the special role they have to play in the follow-up to Durban on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March 2002 which will coincide with the Union's s 107th Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Marrakech, Morocco IPU indicated that it plans to set up a database on parliamentary committees which cover issues relating to racism, in order to contribute to the creation of parliamentary networks and to assist in mobilizing the widest parliamentary support.

62. The Committee on the Rights of the Child decided at its twenty-eighth session held from at its twenty-eighth session held from 24 September to 12 October 2001 trequest all States parties in the future to include specific information in their next periodic reports on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention on the Rights of the Child that they have implemented pursuant to the commitments made at the World Conference.

63. At its twenty-seventh session, held from 12 to 30 November 2001, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights devoted a meeting to the issue of follow-up to the World Conference. The Committee decided to continue addressing, in its dialogue with States parties and in concluding observations, the non-discrimination provision in article 2, paragraph 2, of the Covenant and other relevant provisions.

64. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Human Rights Committee and the Committee against Torture have decided to include a discussion of the follow-up to Durban on the agendas at their next sessions.

65. Follow-up to Durban will be the theme of the next joint meeting of the chairpersons of human rights treaty bodies and the holders of special procedures mandates which is currently scheduled to be held at the end of June 2002.

66. OHCHR has received numerous reports which suggest that NGOs, NGO networks and caucuses that were developed during the preparations for the World Conference are actively engaged in follow-up activities in all regions of the world.

67. It should be recalled that nearly 1,300 NGOs not in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council were specifically accredited to the Conference process, that over 4,000 NGO representatives participated in the Conference in Durban and nearly 8,000 individuals were registered for the NGO Forum, and that there were over 40 active NGO caucuses on specific issues. Many of these groups report that, as a first step upon returning home, they have organized meetings and conferences, written articles and published reports to share the outcome of the Conference with their constituencies.

68. In some cases, new organizations or alliances have come into being with a specific mandate to take up the anti-discrimination agenda of Durban. In others, NGOs have recommitted themselves and their members to combating racism. For example, the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Status with ECOSOC (CONGO) reports that it is working to integrate the Durban vision and agenda into the programme of the Millennium Summit, and that each activity it organizes in the coming year will have an anti-racism component. The Center for the Development of Democracy and Human Rights, on behalf of the Russian Network against Racism, which now includes more than 70 NGOs in the Russian Federation, states that it intends to take all positive results of the World Conference and use them to promote tolerance and human rights for all people, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs. The Caucus on Migration and Refugees - a worldwide electronic network on migration, refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons established during the second session of the Preparatory Committee and which now has more than 430 members - has been working for, inter gration, refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons established during the second session of the Preparatory Committee and which now has more than 430 members - has been working for, inter alia, the entry into force of the International Cvention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

69. In the labour area, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, which represents over 125 million workers, has endorsed a plan of action, "Trade Unions say NO to Racism and Xenophobia", and strongly urged all national affiliates and regional organizations to take appropriate measures to implement it without delay. The European Network Against Racism, based in Western Europe, and United for Inter-Cultural Action in Eastern and Central tural Action in Eastern and Central Europe, are both focusing their energies on ensuring that Governments adopt and implement national action plans against racism. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation reports that follow-up initiatives are planned acss the country that will focus on holding the Government to s the country that will focus on holding the Government to its promise of using the Conference process to create a domestic plan of action to strengthen the struggle against racism and hate in Canada. Soroptimist International, with members in 121 counies, has asked its national sections to research the status of their countries with respect to the implementation of United Nations instruments dealing with racial equality and discrimination, and thereafter to review progress annually and follow this up with advocacy and th advocacy and action

70. OHCHR has been informed by the South African NGO Coalition (SANGOCO) that now that its mandate for the NGO Forum has ended, it will focus on combating racism at home and on the African continent. OHCHR has also received a report from a new organization, the International Alliance against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (IAAR), with headquarters in the Caribbean, whose concerns include the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, emancipation in the Americas, Africa and the Diaspora, and playing a role to support United Nations efforts to combat racism.

71. OHCHR has received reports from a number of NGOs, among them Human Rights Internet and CONGO, that they are continuing to develop their anti-racism web sites and remain committed to finding ways of using the Internet to combat racism and xenophobia.

72. Many groups are concerned about the intersection of racism with gender, with poverty, and with disability. The Center for Women's Global Leadership reports that it will focus its training in June 2002 on the intersection of racism, sexism and other oppressions, exploring the interconnections between different kinds of oppression that women face as they affect women's lives on the personal, structural and institutional levels.

73. At the International Youth Summit that took place in Durban just prior to the World 73. At the International Youth Summit that took place in Durban just prior to the World Conference, the participants decided to create a global youth network to strengthen youth acon against racism, discrimination and intolerance. The objectives that the youth have outlined for the global youth network are: to exchange and disseminate information on good practices to combat racism; to coordinate advocacy efforts at the national, regional and international levels for the implementation of the International Youth Declaration and Plan of Action; to monitor the implementation of commitments made by States in Durban (in particular those relating to youth); and to promote human rights as a tool for combating racism. The members of the global youth network communicate with each other through Internet discussion groups that were created specially for this purpose.

74. The global youth network consists of different regional and subregional youth networks, all of which are in the process of defining their structure and follow-up activities. In Africa, the youth network has launched the idea of training on human rights and youth policy development for youth multipliers. The Asian-Pacific youth network identified one national representative in each country of the region who met in Singapore from 3 to 5 February 2002 to discuss follow-up strategies. The aim of the Asian-Pacific network is to put the youth plan of action into practice and to share information on each country. The international organization MADRE has launched, in the name of the Americas regional youth network, a compilation of all reference material on children, adolescents and youth assembled during the regional preparatory process for the World rocess for the World Conference, including for expert meetings, intergovernmental meetings, and NGO and satellite meetings

75. In Europe, information on the International Youth Summit and the outcome of the World 75. In Europe, information on the International Youth Summit and the outcome of the World Conference has been shared with youth o were not in Durban and with regional organizations (Council of Europe, European Commission) at the following two conferences:

Berlin, 20-23 October 2001, "Youth for tolerance and democracy", supported by the European Commission and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth;

Lisbon, 23-26 November 2001, "Lisbon Forum 2001: youth and children in Africa, actors of their own development", organized by the North-South Centre of the Council of , organized by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europ

76. Follow-up to the World Conference was the main theme of the youth conference that took place in Bucharest from 4 to 9 December 2001. The conference provided an opportunity for the youth representatives that were elected by European youth in Durban to meet, with the objective of developing a European regional work plan, and for minority communities from around the continent, as well as the Roma youth caucus, to evaluate their participation in the World Conference and reflect on their role as youth leaders and actors for the development of their communities.

77. An initiative at the subregional level is the intention of the Latin American youth caucus to monitor the implementation by State actors of the recommendations of the World Conference as well as the implementation of the final documents adopted at the Regional Conference of the Americas. The plan is to lobby for the adoption of national action plans against discrimination and racism, with special focus on indigenous and Afro-descendent youth; to carry out awareness-raising activities, in particular by addressing the media; and to create a directory of all ess-raising activities, in particular by addressing the media; and to create a directory of all organizations committed to the youth network against racis

78. One of the main recommendations of the regional workshop "Caucasus youth for inter-ethnic understanding" that took place in Baku in June 2001 was to conduct a regional campaign against racism, nationalism and intolerance; to coordinate activities in this field between youth groups from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia; and to monitor the protection of minority rights. This youth initiative attracted attention from the media, the Governments, and the High Commissioner for Minorities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Caucasus youth involved in this project remain committed to and actively engaged in trying to implement the recommendations, in spite of the fact that they were not present in ed to and actively engaged in trying to implement the recommendations, in spite of the fact that they were not present in Durban

79. Besides the initiatives mentioned above, numerous NGOs and youth organizations have placed the struggle against discrimination and racism on their local or national agenda and have informed OHCHR of activities they have undertaken or plan to carry out. The Philippine Human Rights Information Center, for example, has devoted the latest issue of its publication Human Rights Forum to "The many faces of discrimination". The Italian NGO URIHI has produced a video on NGO and youth participation in Durban which allows victims of racism to explain their cause and discusses the importance of a leading youth role in the struggle against racism and intolerance, and explores past and contemporary forms of slavery. The video was distributed to nst racism and intolerance, and explores past and contemporary forms of slavery. The video was distributed to 100 local Italian TV networks

80. The Urban Alliance on Race Relations of Toronto, Canada, conducted in November 80. The Urban Alliance on Race Relations of Toronto, Canada, conducted in November 2001 a Diversity Training wkshop, a one-day event for youth on how to facilitate an anti-racism workshop. In the United States of America representatives of the NGO Global Kids who participated in the International Youth Summit and in the World Conference regularly conduct presentations in schools about their experience in South Africa.