A/HRC/40/75 31. The representative of Japan raised the issue of discrimination against Asian players. As the country was preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, he reiterated the country’s commitment to combating racism in sports. 32. The representative of the European Union addressed the importance of going beyond football to include other sports and asked if there was anything else the European Union could contribute to this theme. 33. The representative of South Africa stated that the country had national experience of how the Rugby World Cup had brought people together in unity. While there had been appreciable progress made in sports, discrimination in sport persisted. He agreed that prominent public figures could be a voice to raise awareness of racial discrimination. VI. Review of the progress achieved concerning the programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for people of African Descent 34. Mr. McEachrane pointed out in his presentation that at the beginning of the third year of the International Decade for People of African Descent, not many States had launched the Decade, especially those with sizeable black populations. He suggested a few things that could be done to promote the Decade at the United Nations. First, drafting a declaration on the promotion of and full respect for the human rights of people of African descent. Second, setting up a voluntary fund for people of African descent. Lastly, organizing a major international academic conference as a collaboration between OHCHR and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on the theme of “recognition, justice and development” for people of African descent, which could result in a three-part book series on the theme, containing analysis and recommendations. 35. Ms. De Leon provided an overview of World Afro Day, which is a global day of change, education and celebration of “Afro” hair. This initiative began because of cases of discrimination around the world against people of African descent wearing their natural hairstyles. Recent cases included children turned away from school because of their hair to adults who were discriminated against in their daily working environment or other spheres. Such discrimination dated back centuries and had an impact on people’s self-esteem, opportunity, health, economic and political rights. Ms. De Leon believed the Decade had an opportunity to address unique problems predominantly experienced by black people. She recommended the drafting of an African child declaration to offer protection for current and future children from oppression in the school system. Providing education through history classes and fun activities in schools that focus on empathy, equality, and empowerment could also be a good solution to preventing further discrimination based on hair. 36. Mr. Jallow highlighted the importance of the Decade and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action because the stories of people of African descent were still not being taught and nor were they equally represented in the different spheres of society. Discriminatory policing and ethnic profiling were long-standing issues. The continuing rise of extreme political parties that undermined efforts to combat racism was concerning. He acknowledged the efforts made by the European Parliament and European Economic and Social Committee to host the inaugural People of African Descent week and called on States not just to have a national action plan against racism, but to adopt, strengthen and implement action-oriented policies, programmes and projects to combat racism and Afrophobia. 37. Mr. Diouwara gave his presentation from a journalist’s point of view. He commented that the media did not portray people of African descent unless it was in a negative light. It was important to discuss people of African descent in a positive light, especially the dynamic youth of Africa, to highlight people of African descent as international partners. 38. The representative of the European Union provided an update on European efforts to promote the Decade. The European Parliament had organized “Fundamental rights aspects of Black Europeans and People of African Descent Week” in May 2018. The European 6