A/HRC/22/17 October. Building on previous workshops, the meeting adopted a plan of action to move forward in this area. 7. For Nelson Mandela International Day, OHCHR organized a high-level panel discussion on the promotion and protection of human rights through tolerance and reconciliation. It also organized a panel discussion on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace. These events fostered global dialogue and shared good practices to address racial discrimination. OHCHR organized with the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States a seminar on racism in cyberspace, cybercrimes and human rights. 8. The Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent elaborated and submitted to the General Assembly a draft programme of action for the Decade for People of African Descent (2013–2022). The Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action addressed the role of politicians and political parties in combating racism and the enhancement of regional and international cooperation with regard to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 9. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination held a day of general discussion focusing on the theme of “racist hate speech”, a topic that has attracted the keen interest of the international community. The day of discussion aimed at enhancing the understanding of the causes and consequences of racist hate speech, and will assist the Committee in its reflection on possibly preparing a general recommendation. 2. Discrimination on the basis of indigenous or minority status 10. This year marked the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. In this context, OHCHR held regional meetings to raise awareness of the Declaration, including a Human Rights Council panel discussion on the Declaration (in March); an expert seminar on enhancing the effectiveness of human rights mechanisms in promoting the rights of religious minorities (Vienna, in May); a consultation on the participation of minorities in poverty reduction (Bangkok, in September); an expert workshop on the effective participation of minorities in law enforcement (Bishkek, in October); and a consultation on how to reflect diversity in constitutional reforms (Doha, November). OHCHR coordinated the United Nations network on racial discrimination and the protection of minorities, established by the Secretary-General in March 2012 to enhance dialogue and cooperation among United Nations entities. The network marked the twentieth anniversary, developing a guidance note on addressing racial discrimination and the protection of minorities. 11. OHCHR supported the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including through support to the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In May, OHCHR issued guidelines for the protection of indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation in the Americas. OHCHR supported the drafting and implementation of legislation aimed at advancing participation in decisionmaking and other rights of indigenous peoples in countries in Africa and Latin America. It provided guidance on the Declaration for national human rights institutions. In Guatemala, OHCHR provided support for 18 cases before courts, six of which led to landmark decisions promoting the rights of indigenous peoples. 12. I am pleased to highlight the positive impact of the missions conducted by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples in Costa Rica in April 2011 and in March 2012, focusing on the impact of the Diquís hydroelectric project on the Térraba people together with my Regional Office for Central America. During the initial visit, the Government announced plans to suspend exploratory work for the construction of the dam. 4

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