A/60/283 mentioned in the resolutions adopted by the Commission on Human Rights, including the need to give equal treatment to all forms of racism and discrimination and the upsurge in acts of racism committed by neo-Nazi and extreme right groups. The Special Rapporteur also participated in a series of meetings and seminars, including two thematic debates of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on the prevention of genocide and multiculturalism; he also participated in the conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Combating anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance held in Cordoba, Spain. This report also covers the Special Rapporteur’s mission to Japan, at the conclusion of which he noted the existence of forms of discrimination against national minorities and foreign communities and the lack of a comprehensive legislation against racism and discrimination. The Special Rapporteur stresses the need for a vigorous political response from the Government and the enactment of legislation and an intellectual and ethical strategy to address the underlying cultural and historical causes of discrimination in Japan. With regard to contemporary manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Special Rapporteur draws attention to two developments of particular concern: the rise in racism and xenophobia as a result of identity constructs and the mistreatment, contrary to international standards, of aliens, asylum-seekers, refugees and immigrants by the official administrative services of many States, especially in reception and waiting areas at airports, ports and stations which are becoming so-called “no rights zones”. The Special Rapporteur then discusses the upsurge of racism in sports, draws conclusions and makes recommendations thereon. Lastly, the Special Rapporteur reports on his cooperation with regional organizations in efforts to combat racial discrimination and xenophobia and makes his recommendations. 2