A/HRC/35/45
various levels and in different sectors, to prevent and combat effectively racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
(i)
Encourages Member States to ensure that history is accurately
portrayed in education so as to avoid stereotypes and distortion or falsification of
historical facts, which may lead to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance;
(j)
Notes the complex linkages between education and identity-building and
conflicts. In this regard, it encourages Governments to ensure that textbooks and
other educational materials accurately reflect historical facts, as they relate to past
tragedies and atrocities, in particular those falling within the categories listed in
paragraph 99 and other relevant paragraphs of the Durban Declaration;
(k)
Reaffirms that racial discrimination in the administration of justice
subverts the rule of law, undermines faith in the legal system and results in
victimization of people of African descent by the very institutions responsible for their
protection. They all too often experience discrimination in access to justice and face
alarmingly high rates of police violence, with racial profiling acting as an aggravating
factor during sentencing. The Working Group reminds Member States that these
practices are unlawful and constitute a violation of human rights, and the necessary
steps should be taken accordingly to combat racial discrimination against people of
African descent at all stages of the justice system;
(l)
Recommends to the President of the Human Rights Council that in 2017
the theme of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
should be racial discrimination in the administration of justice;
(m) Acknowledges that various actors have a positive role to play in
combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and,
more specifically, in the programme of activities for the implementation of the
International Decade for People of African Descent. It recognizes that among these
actors, the media and other principal actors, such as the national human rights
institutions and equality bodies and law enforcement institutions, have a crucial role
to play in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance. It remains convinced that these institutions — with a view to fully
fulfilling their role with regard to combating racism and effectively addressing the
needs of discriminated groups, such as people of African descent — should be as
diverse as the society in which they operate;
(n)
Takes note of the various recommendations made by panellists with
regard to the role of media in realizing the objectives of the International Decade for
People of African Descent, and shares the view that further efforts should be
undertaken with a view to addressing several important issues related to it, such as
the under-representation of people of African descent in the media, the stigmatization
of people of African descent and other minority communities in the media, the lack of
adequate responses to racist or hate speech, capacity-building for media professionals
to enable them to be more responsive to such speech and also the need to enlist the
help of goodwill ambassadors and strong media personalities to reverse the prevailing
practices in the media sector;
(o)
Encourages OHCHR to strengthen its capacity-building activities
directed to the media, in particular with regard to combating hate speech and
incitement to violence and racial hatred;
(p)
Decides that the role of media needs to be analysed further and should
be discussed at one of its future sessions;
(q)
Expresses its gratitude to the Government of Brazil for hosting and
facilitating the Regional Meeting of Latin America and the Caribbean on the
International Decade for People of African Descent, and takes note of the outcome
document of the meeting, in which representatives agreed to a number of important
conclusions;
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