A/HRC/39/38 progressive constitutions in the world. He had also given South Africans the opportunity to confront their past by establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 38. Many speakers recalled Mr. Mandela’s commitment to the universality of human rights, explaining that his life struggle had been guided by the fundamental principle that all human beings are born free and equal in rights and dignity, without any distinction of sex, colour, religion or origin. In that regard, the coincidence of the centenary of Nelson Mandela with the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, was particularly noteworthy, and should be an exhortation for all to take up the fight begun by Mr. Mandela, who had been an embodiment of the values enshrined in those two documents. 39. Tribute was also paid to Winnie Madikizela Mandela for her determination and courage in fighting for freedom and equality; as well as to all human rights defenders who, like Mr. Mandela, often took the risk of being arrested, threatened or subjected to grave violations, to ensure that everyone could enjoy freedom, equality and justice. Recalling that 2018 marked the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, several participants emphasized the urgent need for all Member States to ensure that human rights defenders could conduct their activities in an environment that empowered them to defend and promote human rights for all, without obstacles or fear of reprisal. 40. Despite Mr. Mandela’s legacy, the end of the apartheid regime and an international commitment to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance through the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, discrimination, racism and hate speech fuelled by populist and xenophobic sentiments were on the rise worldwide, justifying the political use of discriminatory policies and practices appealing to nationalism, intolerance, fear and rejection. Millions of people continued to be victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, which constituted grave violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. 41. Many participants reaffirmed their commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Member States should show greater political will by participating actively in and ensuring the efficiency of the Durban followup mechanisms, and by ratifying and ensuring the full implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. They also called on the Human Rights Council to strengthen its efforts to tackle the challenges of intolerance, xenophobia and racism. 42. Mr. Mandela’s commitment to peace and multilateralism should inspire the international community at a time when violent conflicts were posing great threats to international security and stability. His life struggle had been for the betterment of vulnerable people, and he had given a clear message that income inequality and poverty prevented people from fully enjoying their human rights. His life and legacy represented hope for the underprivileged all over the world. Participants also recalled his fight for the eradication of HIV. 43. Some participants also recalled Mr. Mandela’s support for the right to selfdetermination. Mr. Mandela had been and would remain a figure of the struggle for freedom and a source of inspiration for people who continued to suffer under occupation, and who would continue to resist occupation, refuse oppression and fight for justice. 44. All speakers acknowledged the utmost importance and relevance of Mr. Mandela’s legacy to overcome the challenges currently facing the world. Many people continued to be denied a free vote, to suffer discrimination and racial segregation, and to live in poverty. The universality of human rights was being challenged in certain parts of the world. Peace, security and stability were undermined by protracted violent conflicts. All participants acknowledged the collective responsibility to keep Mr. Mandela’s legacy alive by promoting and protecting human rights, justice, peace, reconciliation, democracy, peaceful conflict resolution and sustainable development, as well as by intensifying efforts to 7