A/HRC/RES/29/20 Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with regard to the incompatibility between democracy and racism, Taking note with appreciation of the report of the High Commissioner on the incompatibility between democracy and racism, presented to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-first session,1 Remaining alarmed at the rise of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in political circles, in the sphere of public opinion and in society at large, Emphasizing that democracy, transparent, responsible, accountable and participatory governance responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people, and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are essential for the effective prevention and elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Reaffirming that acts of racial violence do not constitute legitimate expressions of opinion but rather unlawful acts or offences, and that acts of racism and discrimination endorsed by Governments and public authorities may threaten democracy, Recognizing the importance of freedom of speech and expression and the fundamental role of education and other active policies in the promotion of tolerance and respect for others and in the construction of pluralistic and inclusive societies, Condemning political platforms and organizations based on racism, xenophobia or doctrines of racial superiority and related discrimination, and legislation and practices based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as incompatible with democracy and transparent and accountable governance, Emphasizing the importance that States reinforce their commitment to promote tolerance and human rights and to fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as a way to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and transparent and accountable governance, Reaffirming that any form of impunity condoned by public authorities for crimes motivated by racist and xenophobic attitudes plays a role in weakening the rule of law and democracy and tends to encourage the recurrence of such acts, 1. Reaffirms that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance condoned by governmental policies violate human rights, as established in the relevant international and regional human rights instruments, and are incompatible with democracy, the rule of law and transparent and accountable governance; 2. Decides to convene, at its thirty-first session, a panel discussion on the incompatibility between democracy and racism with a view to identifying challenges and good practices; 3. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to organize the panel discussion in consultation with States, relevant United Nations bodies, funds and programmes, treaty bodies, special procedures and regional human rights mechanisms, as well as with civil society, non-governmental organizations, national human rights institutions and specialized national equality bodies as appropriate with a view to ensuring their participation in the panel discussion; 1 2 A/HRC/21/27.