A/HRC/10/87
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April 2008, once the Durban Review Conference was held, or at least once the substantive
session of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference was held. According to
this delegation, it was unwise to set the agenda yet for the next session of this Working Group.
35. Speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, the
representative of Brazil considered that the work of the Intergovernmental Working Group,
should concentrate mostly in the elaboration of contributions and inputs to the preparatory
process of the Durban Review Conference, as it was established by the Preparatory Committee in
its first session. In its analysis and decision on the contributions/inputs to the preparatory
process, the Intergovernmental Working Group should start from the work done and the results
achieved to date, without excluding the possibility of debating any issue related to the follow-up
of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The delegate expressed the hope that the
present process would contribute to consensus and invited all the delegations and regional groups
to participate in the discussions in a constructive spirit.
36. One representative highlighted the fact that the concrete results of the Working Group and
the Durban Review process were very much connected to a consensual and truly constructive
approach and participation. He further stated that his delegation would continue to dedicate full
attention to this Intergovernmental Working Group and underlined the importance of active,
constructive participation and a consensual approach in discharging its mandate.
37.
The Chairperson-Rapporteur encouraged all delegations to follow this moderate approach.
38. Another delegate expressed the view that his initial vision was for this Intergovernmental
Working Group to play a leading role in the preparation of the Durban Review Conference. He
indicated that his delegation remained flexible whilst focused on the primary objective, which
was to prepare the conference. He raised the point that, if the second part of the sixth session of
the Intergovernmental Working Group was to be meaningful, some agreement had to be reached
as to the themes to be discussed at that time.
39. The Chairperson-Rapporteur highlighted the convergence of views on a conservative and
moderate approach and urged delegations to stay on board. He pointed out that the reaching of
consensus would be less likely should the themes chosen for the next session include areas that
were contentious. Without venturing too far, we could, he stated, remain open to new themes so
long as they were included in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. He stated that
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance were issues that should be
discussed all the time in light of the moral and historical imperatives attached to them. Hence, he
questioned the resistance to discussing the themes in many forums within the United Nations.
The Chairperson guaranteed that no new issue falling outside of the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action would be discussed at the next session of the Intergovernmental Working
Group. In this regard, he reminded delegations of the usefulness of the glossary of the
Declaration and Programme of Action, which had been circulated for ease of reference.
40. One representative indicated that since so many themes under Durban had not been
explored, he encouraged delegations to ensure that the Intergovernmental Working Group
resumed its work and fulfilled its mandate.
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