A/HRC/RES/21/33 2. Takes note of the report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action;2 3. Decides that the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action should convene its eleventh session from 7 to 18 October 2013; 4. Recalls that preventing and combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance is a primary responsibility of States and, in this regard, recommends that States: (a) Consider developing and implementing national plans of action to combat racism and racial discrimination, and to promote equality, equity, social justice, equality of opportunity, respect for diversity and the participation of all; These plans should aim at creating conditions for all to participate effectively in decision-making and realize civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights in all spheres of life on the basis of nondiscrimination; (b) Consider linking their development programmes and priorities for the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions of individuals and groups experiencing racial discrimination, social exclusion and marginalization, and that these linkages should be reflected in, inter alia, States’ reports for the universal periodic review mechanism of the Human Rights Council; (c) Invest in education as a tool for transforming attitudes and eliminating ideas of racial hierarchies and superiority; (d) Consider collecting ethnically disaggregated data with a view to setting up concrete targets and designing appropriate and effective anti-discrimination legislation, policies and programmes aimed at promoting equality and preventing and eliminating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; any such information should, as appropriate, be collected with the explicit consent of individuals, based on their self-determination and in accordance with provisions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as data protection regulations and privacy guarantees; this information must not be misused; (e) Consider adopting effective measures to combat criminal acts motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, take measures so that motivations are considered an aggravating factor for the purpose of sentencing, prevent these crimes from going unpunished and ensure the rule of law; 5. Emphasizes the importance of ensuring equality for all in the enjoyment of civil, cultural, economic, social and political rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, without any discrimination based on race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin as one effective way through which States may prevent and address the rise of tension and conflict; 6. Underlines in the above context that all citizens have the right to participate freely in the electoral processes in their countries, including the right to vote, consistent with article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, particularly since any restriction inconsistent with that article is incompatible with democracy, the rule of law and transparent and accountable electoral processes; 7. Welcomes the setting up of projects at the national level by civil society groups, including with the financial support of public authorities, including the creation of a 2 A/HRC/19/77. 3