A/HRC/20/33 addressed as part of the post-conflict reconstruction of countries emerging from armed conflict to avoid its resurgence. 8. The Special Rapporteur further points out that the prevention of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance is key to meeting some of the contemporary global challenges such as terrorism. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur recalls General Assembly resolution 60/288 on the United Nations Global CounterTerrorism Strategy in which States resolved to undertake measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, including ethnic, national and religious discrimination. He emphasizes that the prevention of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance should be an integral part of any strategy to prevent and fight against terrorism. Without adequate mechanisms and measures to prevent the spread of racist and xenophobic stereotypes and attitudes, States’ counter-terrorism policies may be ineffective and lead to human rights violations and racial or ethnic profiling targeting specific groups. The Special Rapporteur is of the view that States should ensure that their counter-terrorism strategies incorporate concrete measures to prevent racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. In order to combat terrorism, all human rights and freedoms must be guaranteed to all individuals without any discrimination based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin as enshrined in article 1 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. III. Possible preventive measures and policies A. Ensuring the participation of discriminated and marginalized groups in public and political life 9. The need to promote the effective and equal participation in public and political life of individuals and groups of individuals subjected to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance is recognized in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 10. It is the view of the Special Rapporteur that meaningful participation of groups or individuals discriminated in political life and decision-making processes on the grounds of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin is crucial to preventing and combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Ensuring the right to effective participation in the public and political life of discriminated individuals, including members of minorities, in particular with regard to decisions that affect them, has also been highlighted as a broad area of concern by the Independent Expert on minority issues.6 11. The invisibility of poor and excluded ethnic groups in public life contributes to their vulnerability to violations and reinforces prejudices and the structures of discrimination. The Special Rapporteur considers that effective participation of individuals from these groups in political and public life would ensure that their voices are heard and that the challenges and problems they face are given due attention. Their participation is key to informing policy decisions on issues related to preventing and combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Broader participation will also contribute to improving interaction and relations among different ethnic groups and thereby dispel the atmosphere of distrust and misunderstanding. The Special Rapporteur also shares 6 A/65/287. 5