A/HRC/35/45 implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. She noted that racial discrimination was the worst form of human rights violation, and expressed the Organization’s concern regarding the prevalence and rise of contemporary forms of racism and racial discrimination worldwide, such as Islamophobia, which led to marginalization and stigmatization. She noted that 15 years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the world was still facing enormous challenges despite all the achievements. She noted that tolerance, pluralism and respect for diversity were core values that could foster more inclusive societies. 9. The representative of South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, noted that, despite progress in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, much remained to be done. She pointed to the negative impact that the legacy of slavery and colonialism had had on human dignity. 10. The representative of Brazil noted that all participants should take the opportunity to address the remaining challenges in order to make the International Decade for People of African Descent effective. She also pointed out that in 2015 Brazil had held the Regional Meeting of Latin America and the Caribbean on the International Decade for People of African Descent. 11. The representative of the European Union reiterated that organization’s strong commitment to the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance worldwide. The representative noted that it cooperated with all relevant international organizations and emphasized that there was an ongoing dialogue with more than forty countries. The fight against racism was an issue that concerned the entire international community. Therefore, a multilateral approach was needed. Priority should be given to the effective implementation of existing international human rights law, in particular the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in particular as its full implementation remained a challenge for many. 12. The representatives of Belgium and Italy supported the statement made by the representative of the European Union. Both representatives advocated for stronger efforts at the local, national and international levels with a view to combat racism. Therefore, the representatives of Italy and Belgium outlined several of their national experiences in combating racism and reiterated that their countries were fully committed to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 13. The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela highlighted the important role the International Decade for People of African Descent could play as an important platform to raise awareness of the history, experiences and contributions of people of African descent. 14. The representative of Libya noted that there were issues that still needed to be addressed to ensure the elimination of racial discrimination. He expressed concerns regarding religious discrimination, in particular Islamophobia, and called for international cooperation in order to address discrimination against migrants. 15. The representative of the Dominican Republic, on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, reaffirmed the latter’s commitment to eradicate racial discrimination. The representative underlined that the region was made up of a multiethnic, multicultural, multilingual and very diverse population. The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States supported the International Decade for People of African Descent, in particular the creation of a forum for people of African descent. 16. The representative of International-Lawyers.Org, a non-governmental organization, reiterated its support for the work of the Working Group. However, he was disappointed by the lack of initiatives on the occasion of the commemoration of the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. He noted that racism was a threat to peace, stability and human rights. 17. The representative of the International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations urged non-governmental organizations to enhance all Durban follow-up mechanisms. 3