A/HRC/40/75
81.
The representative of Nigeria highlighted the need for an evidence-based approach
to the management of migration and migrants. Accurate portrayals of migrants and
migration were needed. Evidence was presently available that gave weight to the benefits of
migration rather than just the challenges. He stressed that there should be an effort to
counter xenophobia and political narratives on migration and migrants that distorted reality.
82.
In response to questions from the room Mr. Jamin noted that there was a need for a
shift in the perception of authority. Many far-right and extremist parties in general entitled
themselves to the authority label by claiming that they were the most powerful authorities.
That was why many people were drawn towards the extreme, not because they were racist
or xenophobic, but often because they had a thirst for a strong authority. As for legislation,
there were laws dealing with racism and as a result, openly racist discourse had disappeared
from the media. Mr. Jamin mentioned Facebook and other private operators with which
States could cooperate. Finally, he questioned how countries could spend so much money
to create peaceful societies and yet allow a private operator (such as Facebook) to
disseminate hate speech and racism with total impunity.
83.
In the same vein, Mr. Engel indicated that the immediate step required was for
Governments to put in place a system to reduce crimes based on hatred and xenophobia.
Simple mechanisms for reducing hate-based crimes included criminalizing hate speech and
prosecuting those responsible. Secondly, he believed that States should abandon enforcing
legislation intended to assimilate national religious minorities.
IX. Conclusions and recommendations
A.
1.
Discussion on the state of racial discrimination worldwide
Conclusions
84.
The Working Group:
(a)
Reaffirms that the combating of all the scourges of racism is a legitimate
concern of the international community;
(b)
Reiterates that non-discrimination and equality before and of the law
constitute fundamental principles of international human rights law and underpin the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the main international human rights
treaties and instruments;
(c)
Emphasizes that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
remains a solid basis, as the only instructive outcome document of the 2001 World
Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related
Intolerance for further actions and initiatives to combat all forms of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including its contemporary and
resurgent manifestations, some of which have regrettably taken a violent form;
(d)
Reaffirms its full respect for and commitment to the Durban Declaration
and Programme of Action, its full and effective implementation and comprehensive
follow-up to the 2001 World Conference and the Outcome Document of the 2009
Durban Review Conference, in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 3/2;
(e)
Notes that people of African descent and Africans in the diaspora
throughout the world constitute some of the poorest and most marginalized groups;
(f)
Reaffirms its commitment to the full and effective implementation of the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,
the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the Outcome Document of the
Durban Review Conference and the political declaration issued on the tenth
anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It also reaffirms
the fundamental importance of universal accession to, or ratification of, the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;
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