A/HRC/37/28 its existence had to be named and acknowledged, relevant data needed to be collected and special measures that targeted the most marginalized needed to be taken. IV. Interventions by representatives of Member States of the Human Rights Council, observer States and other observers 16. In the discussion that followed, several delegations noted that violence against women and girls was still a major concern. Despite the robust international legal framework, States faced challenges in the implementation of existing laws and instruments. They further expressed concern over a significant lack of effort to address intersectional discrimination in a holistic and comprehensive fashion. Delegations broadly acknowledged that women faced greater marginalization and a higher risk of human rights violations and abuses when they experienced discrimination and violence based on multiple and intersecting grounds. Some highlighted, for instance, the impact of intersectional discrimination on criminal justice systems and noted that further action was needed to end related human rights violations. 17. Some delegations raised concern over the resurgence of increasingly accentuated racial divisions. They noted the disproportionate effect that aggregated forms of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia had on women and girls, the need for awarenessraising and the need to confront the problem of intolerance in all its forms. 18. Several delegations restated their commitment to the full implementation of international human rights norms and acknowledged the importance of addressing challenges. The need to adopt provisions and measures tailored to the situation of women and girls of marginalized communities and specific groups was highlighted. Some recommended, for instance, the adoption of public programmes and policies that took into account the specific needs of women of African descent, indigenous women and those belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The need to ensure the participation of women and young people in decision-making was emphasized repeatedly. Speakers further acknowledged that promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment was a prerequisite for eliminating intersectional discrimination against women. In that connection, the need to strengthen the capacity of the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and health-care providers in the use of culturally sensitive approaches was highlighted. 19. Delegates noted that in order to live up to the promise of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind, individuals and groups that suffered from intersecting and multiple discriminations needed to be given the greatest attention to ensure that their human rights were guaranteed. Delegates stressed the importance of collecting disaggregated data to design and implement interventions and measure progress. They also encouraged the implementation of the recommendations of human rights mechanisms, including those issued in the context of the universal periodic review and by human rights treaty bodies. Most delegations reiterated the importance of implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, relevant Human Rights Council resolutions, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the work of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent. 20. Most speakers stated that they valued education as paramount in overcoming stigma and prejudice and in building a diverse society in which all individuals were equally respected. Several delegations stated that efforts to eradicate racism should start at the level of early education. Educational material was instrumental in eliminating stigmatization and discrimination. Speakers agreed that States must invest in human rights education and awareness-raising. V. Responses and concluding remarks by the panellists 21. In their concluding remarks, the panellists emphasized that combating multiple and intersecting discrimination and violence against women and girls would require enhanced 5