A/HRC/10/87 page 11 48. The representative of the African Union believed that issues being discussed in this forum were central if not critical to the realization of good governance and the achievement of the global objectives of all human rights principles. He asserted that combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance was at the heart of many international human rights covenants, instruments and processes. 49. The representative also noted that all Member States of the United Nations had committed themselves to combating these scourges. Those representing their Governments at this forum were also conscious of this fact. Therefore, failure to achieve consensus on the future work of this session of the Intergovernmental Working Group, and its substantive work would send the wrong signal to the outside world where incidents of racism and intolerance manifested themselves in increasing numbers and in more sophisticated forms. 50. Following consultations with the representatives of the regional groups of States, the Chairperson-Rapporteur announced that agreement had been reached as to the following: (a) discussions on the future work of the Intergovernmental Working Group will proceed, but that the representative of the European Union will exercise the right not to contribute to the discussion, the European Union will be an active listener; (b) the record of the discussion will be included in the report of the Intergovernmental Working Group; (c) the conclusions and recommendations agreed on by consensus) entitled “Compilations of conclusions and recommendations” would be the only conclusions and recommendations adopted and they would be submitted to the Preparatory Committee. 51. One representative sought clarification as to whether, in the future sessions of the Intergovernmental Working Group, the European Union intended to maintain the position adopted of non-participation in discussions connected to the future work of the Group. The representative of the European Union was not in a position to fully answer this question at this stage. 52. The Chairperson-Rapporteur announced that the scheduling of the second part of the sixth session of the Working Group and the themes to be examined will be agreed upon through informal consultations. On 6 November 2008, the Working Group held consultations with the regional coordinators to discuss the programme of work for the second part of the sixth session. Subsequently a draft programme of work (annex III) was agreed upon. 53. The Intergovernmental Working Group could not formally adopt the draft programme of work for the second part of its sixth session and discuss the content of the draft programme of work, owing to the non-availability of full conference services. Therefore, it concluded its sixth session with a meeting on 18 December 2008. 54. On 18 December, the Working Group adopted the draft report on its sixth session ad referendum.