A/HRC/18/2 18/15 The incompatibility between democracy and racism The Human Rights Council, Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Charter of the United Nations, the International Covenants on Human Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and other relevant international documents, Recalling the commitment reached in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action concerning the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Recalling also the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted in September 2001 at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Recalling further Human Rights Council decision 2/106 of 27 November 2006 and Commission on Human Rights resolutions 2000/40 of 20 April 2000, 2001/43 of 23 April 2001, 2002/39 of 23 April 2002, 2003/41 of 23 April 2003, 2004/38 of 19 April 2004 and 2005/36 of 19 April 2005, on the incompatibility between democracy and racism, Acknowledging that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, in its paragraphs 81 and 85, and the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, in its paragraphs 10 and 11, recognize the incompatibility between democracy and racism, Remaining alarmed by the rise of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in political circles, in the sphere of public opinion and in society at large, Acknowledging that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in its second, third and fifth preambular paragraphs, recognizes, inter alia, that the diversity and richness of civilizations and cultures constitute the common heritage of humankind, Recognizing that individuals belonging to groups in a vulnerable situation, such as migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, continue to be the main victims of violence and attacks perpetrated or incited by extremist political parties, movements and groups, Reaffirming that acts of racial violence do not constitute legitimate expressions of opinion, but rather unlawful acts or offences, and that acts of racism and discrimination endorsed by Governments and public authorities may threaten democracy, Recognizing the importance of freedom of speech and expression and the fundamental role of education and other active policies in the promotion of tolerance and respect for others and in the construction of pluralistic and inclusive societies, 1. Reaffirms that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance condoned by governmental policies violate human rights, as established in the relevant international and regional human rights instruments, and may endanger friendly relations and cooperation among nations, international peace and security and the harmony of persons living side by side within one and the same State; 2. Also reaffirms that any form of impunity condoned by public authorities for crimes motivated by racist and xenophobic attitudes plays a role in weakening the rule of law and democracy and tends to encourage the recurrence of such acts; 42 GE.12-17756