A/HRC/31/75 39. The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelan noted that his country supported the fight against racism. He stated that within the framework of the Decade, the issue of reparations needed to be discussed. IV. Discussion concerning the preparations for the commemoration of the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action 40. Several delegations noted that the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action by all States was fundamental for the prevention and elimination of racism and discrimination in all regions. 41. The representative of Brazil noted that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action had inspired legislation, plans of actions and public policies, particularly affirmative action policies, for the promotion of racial equality. Brazil invited all delegations to assess both the progress achieved in fighting racism and racial discrimination and the important challenges that remained. The fifteenth anniversary would provide a unique opportunity to identify challenges and exchange good practices for its full and effective implementation. In regard to activities to commemorate the anniversary, the representative suggested a panel discussion in the Human Rights Council in 2016. 42. The representative of the European Union stated that despite many good efforts by the international community, the objectives and commitments undertaken at the 2001 Durban conference were still far from being fully met. The European Union had a strong legal and policy framework in place to prevent and fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Racial or ethnic discrimination was prohibited by the Charter of Fundamental Rights as well as by several regulations and directives. The European Union had also adopted legislation that banned incitement to racist or xenophobic violence or hatred. Furthermore, all member States were required by European Union law to set up national bodies for the promotion of equal treatment of all persons without discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin and to provide assistance to victims of discrimination. In addition, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights played an important role in providing information about the situation in the European Union when it came to racism, related intolerance, or unequal treatment of ethnic minorities. The European Union also supported a wide range of non-governmental organizations in their work against racism and in support of non-discrimination through its European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights. The European Union supported having a panel discussion on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 43. The representative of Egypt expressed support for the idea of organizing a panel discussion during the Human Rights Council and for organizing an event during the session of the General Assembly to look at achievements and hindrances to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 44. A representative of the International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations suggested holding a full-day discussion during the thirty-third session of the Human Rights Council on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Office could widely distribute copies of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in all languages and a multi-year programme of activities and outreach, as envisaged by the General Assembly in its resolution 69/162, could be outlined. The Working Group should submit a report with elements for a multi-year programme to recover lost ground in the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which could be presented to the Human Rights Council for its consideration. 10