A/HRC/39/38 based on the will of the majority, and which ensured the justiciability, accessibility and realization of fundamental human rights for the people of South Africa. Current and future generations must uphold his memory, by ensuring that those core values would never be compromised. 32. In concluding, Ms. Mxakato-Diseko emphasized that, while Mr. Mandela would always remain special to the people of South Africa, his legacy belonged to everyone as an embodiment of the totality of human rights. She thanked the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for its work, and called on the Human Rights Council to strengthen its support for the Section. B. Interactive discussion 33. In the ensuing discussion, representatives of the following States and international and intergovernmental organizations took the floor: Algeria, Angola, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, France, Gabon, Ghana, Greece, Jordan (on behalf of the Arab Group), Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico (on behalf of a group of countries), Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation), Togo (on behalf of the African Group), Trinidad and Tobago, Slovenia, Sudan, Sweden (on behalf of a group of countries), Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the European Union and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Due to time constraints, the representatives of Ireland, India, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates were unable to make their interventions orally, but provided statements in writing. 34. Representatives of the following non-governmental organizations took the floor: Amnesty International, the International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme, the Indian Movement “Tupaj Amaru”, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, and the Indian Council of South America. 35. All participants paid tribute to Nelson Mandela and his life achievements, both as a historical leader for fundamental freedoms and human rights and as a great political leader admired worldwide. They agreed that Mr. Mandela was not only an icon for Africa but also a great international symbol of freedom, democracy, human rights and human dignity, peace, social justice and equality. As a human rights defender, Mr. Mandela had devoted his life to the fight against racism, discrimination, oppression, poverty and intolerance, and had overcome the oppressive apartheid regime at a great personal cost. As the first democratically elected President of South Africa, he had moved a deeply divided country towards democracy. His name had become symbolic of sacrifice, humility and hope. Despite the suffering he had endured, he had remained committed to realizing his ideals through peaceful means, forgiveness, tolerance and reconciliation. 36. Many speakers underlined the significance of the date, 27 April, which was the anniversary of the first non-racial democratic elections, which had been held in South Africa in 1994. That day had put an end to the oppressive apartheid regime and had marked the end of three centuries of colonialism, segregation and white supremacy. It had allowed for the establishment of a democratic government led by the President, Mr. Mandela, and had opened the way for the establishment of a new South African non-racial, united nation founded on the principles of equality and well-being of all. 37. Several participants praised Mr. Mandela’s role in leading the successful transition to democracy in South Africa. Through his efforts to promote reconciliation, forgiveness and diversity, he had been able to realize his vision of a rainbow society, diverse and united, in which women and men of any race enjoyed the same rights. He had led his country in the drafting of a new Constitution, which was considered one of most 6