A/HRC/19/77 29. The representative of the Russian Federation stated that the workshop held in Saint Petersburg had been a success and highlighted the participation of experts, which had allowed the broad discussion of issues relating to racism and racial discrimination. 30. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland stated that the workshop organized in Addis Ababa had been an extremely interesting OHCHR initiative. She commended both OHCHR and Ethiopia for such an inclusive event and raised the issue of possible follow-up to the workshop. The representative also provided information about legislative and others measures taken at the national level to prevent and combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including against migrants, such as the adoption of a comprehensive law on hate crimes and measures taken to promote racial equality. 31. The representative of the African Union provided an update about the organization’s initiatives and cooperation with other regional organizations, including in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 32. The representative of the Russian Federation outlined the efforts made by his Government to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Russian Federation attributed an important role to mass media in the promotion of racial equality, especially in advertising cultural and social events in line with the approach of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Educational programmes taking into account ethnic languages, dialects and cultures and dedicated to marginalized people living in the Great North of the country were emphasized. 33. The representative of Japan referred to the measures taken by his Government to protect children and promote the right to education. He pointed out that children of foreign origin were entitled to enrol in public schools for their compulsory schooling free of charge in accordance with the country’s obligations under international human rights laws. In order to facilitate integration of these children, the education system employed educational staff members who speak the children’s language. 34. The representative of Mexico informed the Working Group about the actions taken by Mexico to protect children, in particular the measures adopted through the modification of the Constitution with a view to promote the right of the child against discrimination. The Government had implemented nutrition programmes dedicated to children of migrants and specific programmes for indigenous children. Underlining the relationship between discrimination and employment, Mexico had launched a labour reform initiative aiming to promote social justice and security at work. 35. The representative of Argentina outlined the measures taken by the Government to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, in particular the adoption of a national plan of action against discrimination in 2005 and the establishment of a national institute against discrimination, xenophobia and racism in 1995. He listed the numerous laws enacted by Argentina to promote and protect all children, including the children of migrants. The representative recalled the commitment of his Government to the most important conventions of the International Labour Organization. 36. The representative of Algeria expressed appreciation for the examples of domestic anti-discrimination measures provided by South Africa. In the special framework of the tenth anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the representative asked OHCHR what obstacles had been met in implementing the recommendations adopted during the eighth session of the Working Group. 37. An observer from a non-governmental organization expressed his satisfaction with the efforts made by OHCHR to disseminate the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action among Member States and stakeholders. He inquired, however, about the number of 7

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