A/HRC/21/59 17. Given the different ways in which Xenophobia manifests itself, it is important that a more holistic approach which is also multi-dimensional be adopted to prevent and combat it, including legislative and administrative measures, public policies, educational campaigns, particularly those promoting understanding of diverse cultures as well as tolerance, at the national, regional and international levels. 18. Migrants and other foreigners contribute to the economies of countries in which they are resident, yet they are often characterised as wrong doers and even criminals. There is a need to involve them in addressing xenophobia, and to consult with the communities within which they are resident. 19. The Ad Hoc Committee took note of the upcoming 80 th Session of the CERD, which will address the issue of incitement to hatred, which will enrich deliberations in the Committee C. Institutional responses to xenophobia 20. Recommendations for institutional responses to Xenophobia included the following: International legal mechanisms (a) Some delegations argued that the current International Human Rights Instruments such as ICERD, among others, do not cover the contemporary manifestations of racism such as xenophobia. They argued for and recommended the need to elaborate an international legal, conceptual framework to address the emerging tendencies that violate human rights. (b) Xenophobia is seen as a global phenomenon that needs to be addressed at the international level. Similar to other phenomenon that needed international action to defeat, such as colonization, slavery, racism, apartheid, etc. so does xenophobia and its manifestations. Similar to these scourges, xenophobia manifests itself including through criminal acts, aggressive attitudes and behavior. National legal mechanisms (a) Some argued that there is a need to support and strengthen existing international and) national mechanisms. They stated that xenophobia should be treated in the same way as other grounds of non-discrimination (thus criminalizing the act, not the attitude). To this end, the existence of national legislation is seen as sufficient, what is required is its implementation or enforcement. (b) Most importantly, effective national mechanisms are critical to prevent, monitor and combat xenophobia, as well as to provide assistance and support, including access to justice. Political leadership The issue of political leadership was highlighted as an important element to address the issue of xenophobia. Furthermore, it was emphasized that political will is critical in addressing acts of xenophobia, and to influence the issue in a positive manner, particularly from the highest ranking political leaders at the national, regional and international levels. Media and civil society (a) The media and civil society were seen as important players in shaping public opinion and attitudes. Equally, their role could be critical in complementing the work of public officials around issues of negative stereotypes about foreign nationals and their 19