A/HRC/13/58 one of gaps in the implementation of existing norms. Understanding why some approaches did or did not work would be more useful than elaborating new norms. Self-examination and scrutiny were important for all States. 15. The Russian Federation stressed that complementary standards should not undermine existing standards. In particular, the work of the Ad Hoc Committee should take into account the Outcome Document of the Durban Review Conference. 16. Sweden, on behalf of the EU, felt that the outcome document under the road map and the draft programme of work did not accurately reflect the contributions submitted by the EU. Key principles of the EU had not been included in the principles section of the outcome document under the road map. Sweden requested that the outcome document under the road map and the programme of work be revised. It stated that the outcome document under the road map had a strong religious bias which did not accurately reflect the contributions received. On the other hand, double and multiple forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, as well as the need for universal ratification and better implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, were insufficiently visible in the outcome document under the road map and the draft programme of work. 17. Canada stressed the importance of proceeding by consensus, a view also emphasized by other delegations of the Western Europe and Other States Group. Cuba indicated that this was an artificial debate as the principle of consensus constituted a de facto veto right. Pakistan, on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), stated that only United Nations rules of procedure were to guide the work of the Ad Hoc Committee and that while consensus remained desirable, it was not the only way forward. The OIC also commented on the allegation that the outcome document of the road map was biased in favour of religious intolerance. The view was expressed that maybe this was the case because it was also a burning reality. 18. Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group, warned against the insinuation that some issues might be more important than others. Nigeria also alleged that consensus was being used as a pretext by those States who preferred not to genuinely engage in the discussion. Nigeria also noted that, while the idea of consensus was inherent to negotiations, it was not forced on any meeting as a condition, as doing so would make it a constraining factor in applying the rules of procedure of the General Assembly guiding all United Nations meetings. Hence, amendments to the rules should be made at the General Assembly and not in a subsidiary body. 19. Ireland expressed its resentment over the fact that legitimate positions by western countries were being interpreted by some as a reluctance to deal thoroughly, honestly and seriously with the problem of racism, while in fact exactly the opposite was the case. The delegate cited the example of his country which recently hosted a visit by experts from the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Denmark added that any outcome of the Ad Hoc Committee would not have the same weight or impact if not decided by consensus, a position supported by Greece. Portugal inquired about the applicable rules of procedure. Mexico stated that consensus was not the only way forward, but a minimum level of agreement on the topics to be addressed was necessary. 20. The Syrian Arab Republic, supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, noted that the issue of complementary standards had sprung from the constant evolution of international human rights law and that consensus and unanimity were not identical. The Syrian delegate also inquired why the outcome document under the road map was not available in Arabic. The Chairperson, after having been informed by the secretariat that the document would be available in Arabic soon, expressed his dissatisfaction over the late availability of the translation. GE.10-10366 5