A/HRC/25/69
implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination and other relevant instruments. Norway was ready to discuss further
whether new procedures within the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
could enhance its effectiveness as a monitoring body, and noted that solutions should be
based on facts and acceptable to all parties.
13.
Mexico, on behalf of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Switzerland and Uruguay,
expressed its regret that intersessional consultations with regional and political coordinators
had been held late. It welcomed the expert presenters and the intended discussion of topics
of xenophobia, national mechanisms and procedural gaps to the International Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, but noted that the programme of
work included issues under item 8 to which the Committee had yet to agree. Mexico stated
that the Convention and the DDPA constituted the main and most comprehensive
instruments in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance and that they were committed to implementing them in the most effective
manner.
14.
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),
noted that, as there were new trends and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, there was a need for complementary standards. It
expressed support for the inclusion of item 8 “Updates on relevant global and regional
developments” and noted its relevance to the Committee’s work.
15.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterated the need to develop complementary
standards, including a definition of xenophobia. It also highlighted the need to reinforce the
fight against incitement to racial, ethnic, national and religious hatred.
16.
The Chairperson-Rapporteur clarified that four meetings of regional coordinators
had been held during the intersessional period between the fourth and the fifth sessions. He
noted that, in early June 2013, regional coordinators had been invited to suggest experts to
participate and topics for the session’s programme of work; however, no responses had
been received.
III. Discussion of the questionnaire conducted pursuant to
paragraph 4 of Council resolution 21/30
17.
At the 2nd meeting on 22 July 2013, the Chairperson-Rapporteur introduced the
questionnaire conducted pursuant to paragraph 4 of Council resolution 21/30. In his
preliminary remarks on the questionnaire, the Chairperson-Rapporteur stated that the
Council, in its resolution adopted at its twenty-first session entitled “Elaboration of
international complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination”, had requested OHCHR to distribute a
questionnaire to gather information on the three topics discussed by the Ad Hoc Committee
during its fourth session and covered in its report (xenophobia, national mechanisms and
procedural gaps), including legal and judicial frameworks and practices, substantive and
procedural measures in line with the mandate of the Ad Hoc Committee, and possible
recommendations. In that regard, nine questions had been posed to Member States by note
verbale dated 3 December 2012, whereby all Permanent Missions in Geneva and New York
were invited to forward their responses. The Office received in total 30 replies to the
questionnaire. The questionnaire responses were not representative, and to some extent
provided a largely anecdotal picture. He invited delegations to make supplemental
interventions and elaborate on their original submissions to the questionnaire.
18.
He indicated that all the responses received had outlined constitutions and national
legislation as the means by which racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance were addressed. In most responses, it was noted that constitutions and national
legislations provided for equality before the law and/or legal protection against
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