A/HRC/32/29 racism. Moreover, impunity for crimes committed with racist or xenophobic attitudes remained an impediment to strengthening democracy and the rule of law, as well as to the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment. 30. The representative of a non-governmental organization (NGO) stated that the nonimplementation of United Nations resolutions was incompatible with democracy. 31. During the discussion, attention was also drawn to the role of education. It was agreed that universal, free and quality education represented a fundamental opportunity for eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development and eliminating racism. Inclusive education measures were key instruments to neutralize the upsurge of extremist political groups, movements and parties and the best way to fight against racism, sexism and exclusion. The importance of fighting against all kinds of stereotypes through general awareness programmes was also highlighted. As long as school books depicted minorities in a pejorative way, racist attitudes would continue to flourish. Furthermore, the need to ensure access to culturally appropriate education for ethnic groups was underscored, in order to ensure the preservation of their traditional knowledge and to reaffirm the cultural diversity of countries. 32. Some delegates reaffirmed the commitment of their governments to the fight against racism and other forms of discrimination and to the strengthening of democracy, in line with the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the commitments under the International Decade for People of African Descent. 33. One delegate, speaking on behalf of a group of States, stressed that equality was contrary to any doctrine of superiority based on racial differentiation. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination rightly terms such doctrines as scientifically false, morally condemnable and socially unjust and dangerous. Democracy and racism were intrinsically incompatible. In a democracy, responsibility to counter racial and religious intolerance rested with the majority that was controlling the State apparatus. The current increase in religious and racial profiling constituted a threat to the democratic order of societies. 34. Another delegate, speaking on behalf of a group of States, noted that, since political leaders and parties had a role to play in combating racism and relating intolerance, States should ensure that their political and legal systems actively promoted the multicultural diversity within their societies. They should improve democratic institutions to make them more participatory and inclusive, and avoid marginalization and exclusion of specific sectors of society. 35. Another delegate, speaking on behalf of a group of States, expressed concern about the current trend of increasing incidences of racist and xenophobic acts throughout all regions of the world and recognized that a vigorous approach was needed to combat it. Not only effective legal responses were needed, but also preventive measures that promoted social inclusion, acceptance and equality for all members of society. Legislation was not enough and there was a real need to look at practical ways to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 36. Several delegates highlighted that respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law were essential to prevent and combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Recalling the Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostililty or violence and its recommendations aimed at preventing racism and intolerance, some participants urged States to criminalize, prevent, discourage and combat discriminatory acts, as well as implement preventive measures in response to the threats posed by racism. They noted that combating and preventing racial discrimination was not the job of 6