A/HRC/21/59
elaboration of complementary standards, in accordance with Human Rights Council
decision 3/103.
24.
The European Union pointed out that the various presentations illustrated that
xenophobia was multifaceted and must accordingly be dealt with through various means –
legislation, mechanisms and other means. It was stated that none of the presenters had
stated that there were obvious gaps and none had been able to suggest a legal definition.
The definition of IOM was not necessarily helpful or operational with respect to the work
of the Ad Hoc Committee. The representative also highlighted that, throughout the
presentations, it was noted that xenophobia was a multifaceted phenomenon. The delegate
stated that xenophobia can be combated through different anti-discrimination measures
with regard to various grounds.
25.
The delegate of Norway stated that the session had provided her delegation an
opportunity for reflection on what had been transpiring in the national context. She
expressed concern with regard to working on a definition because it would likely be too
broad or too narrow. The delegate emphasized that xenophobia was a danger to individuals
and a challenge to democracy, in grave cases leading to racial discrimination, crimes
against humanity and genocide, etc. The attacks in Norway in 2011 were traumatic for the
whole Norwegian population. She noted that the attacks were politically fuelled by hate and
highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts for more openness, democracy, and
inclusiveness. Norway was committed to unconditional respect for human dignity for
everyone at all times. With regard to practical issues, she noted that legal protection was not
always enough to ensure equality and that combined efforts were required. Norway
considered that there was a solid legal basis to fight racism and xenophobia but it was open
to take the debate further. The approach should be factual, consensual, and based on real
needs and clear manifestations, and demonstrate that progress has been hindered or slowed
down by gaps in the legal regime.
26.
Japan, on behalf of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Switzerland and
Uruguay, stated that the experts‘ presentations were useful and informative, providing a
clearer and more accurate overview. They highlighted the multifaceted dimension and
cross-cutting nature of xenophobia and the presentations showed a practical approach to the
issue. The delegate noted that it could not be concluded that there was an explicit need for
complementary standards at the international level in the field of xenophobia. Pointing out
that the work of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination did not appear
handicapped by the lack of a definition, Japan recommended that the Committee be invited
to present an official opinion on the issue, with the aim of clarifying how provisions in the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination could
be interpreted in relation to xenophobia.
27.
The delegate of China noted that xenophobia and economic and cultural conflicts
had been increasing. It was emphasized that the current international instruments were
somewhat behind the times. Some measures had been undertaken, but they were not
sufficient and more international cooperation was needed. The issue of xenophobia needed
to be discussed from the international legal perspective with the purpose of eliminating
xenophobia and protecting people‘s rights. She highlighted that what had taken place was
only the initial step towards the issue.
28.
The United States of America pointed out that while there were many different
views expressed by the multiple experts, there was a fair amount of coherence in the
concrete policy recommendations made by them. It would be useful if the Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) could go through the experts‘
presentations and compile a simple matrix, containing recommendations on data
disaggregation, educational campaigns and other policy recommendations.
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