A/HRC/23/19 about the obstacles that the European Network against Racism had encountered in combating racism in general, and with regard to migration in particular. 85. In responding to the questions, Mr. Sheikh explained that OIC was now in the institution-building phase with regard to human rights. He drew attention to some good practices, such as the creation of an OIC observatory on Islamophobia, which produced daily, monthly and annual reports. Such a practice should be emulated by other regional organizations, as well as by the United Nations itself. He explained that the possibility of using special procedures and of dealing with complaints was part of a large toolbox available to the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission; the statute of the Commission did not prohibit it. Other tools already in use included fact-finding missions, with one to Myanmar being currently considered. The Cairo Declaration was the beginning of OIC engagement with human rights. The Commission might suggest reconsidering that document if they deemed it necessary. 86. Mr. Sheikh also elaborated on the complexity of what others called Pakistani blasphemy laws. In relation to the adequacy of Council resolution 16/18, Mr. Sheik stated that the Istanbul process had built on that resolution in order to address the issues dividing the international community. In his opinion, there was a need to explore whether there were any gaps in relation to combating racism in legislation, implementation or elsewhere. 87. Ms. Lynch, in responding to questions, elaborated on capacity-building activities by the European Network against Racism of its members. She reiterated that an increase in the severity of racist crimes had been observed, as well as a greater tolerance of racism, which could not be attributed to the recession only. While building a positive narrative on antiracism and migration on its own would not be sufficient, it was a necessary piece of the anti-racism puzzle. She explained that, while non-discrimination legislation was the cornerstone of the fight against it, there were other challenges, such as motivating people to report racist acts. In her opinion, victims must not only be provided with access to justice, but also be reassured that they can trust the justice system and that they can see results. 88. Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Professor at the University of Geneva and Member of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, presented the Committee’s study on the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights, 1 covering the relevant legal framework, the various modalities of international cooperation and the challenges and prospects in this regard. 89. During the ensuing discussion, examples of the cooperation of OSCE with various agencies in the area of tolerance and non-discrimination were highlighted. In her concluding remarks, Ms. Boisson de Chazournes expressed the hope that the work of the Advisory Committee would become better known and utilized. 90. The Programme Officer from the Social and Human Sciences Sector of the UNESCO Office at Windhoek, Obert Lubasi Mutumba, presented the initiative of the International Coalition of Cities against Racism and Discrimination, explaining the rationale for and history behind its creation and its operational context, providing a summary of results achieved to date, some insights into good practices, and considerations on lessons learned and the way forward. 91. During the ensuing discussion, Mr. Sobers enquired about the inclusion of Caribbean cities in the Coalition of Cities against Racism, especially those with significant Afro-descendant populations. 1 A/HRC/19/74. 13

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