A/71/301 84. The Special Rapporteur encourages States that have not done so to seriously consider developing a comprehensive national plan of action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, especially in the global context of a growing rise of xenophobic sentiments in a prolonged migration crisis. In this regard, he recalls the recommendations made in his most recent report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/32/50) in order to combat racism and xenophobia. 85. The Special Rapporteur calls upon States, when developing national action plans against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, to establish a national specialized body as the key implementing agency. States should note the unique potential of such bodies in combating racism, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination, and should make every effort to link their national action plans and their activities with the specialized body. In this regard, he calls for more coordination between the objectives of national action plans and the reinforcement of the mandate and resources of national specialized bodies. 86. The Special Rapporteur also calls upon States, when establishing a national specialized body against racism and other forms of discrimination, to distinguish it from the general national human rights institution, but to do so in compliance with the Paris Principles of independence and impartiality. Whenever possible, this national specialized body should be mandated to ensure follow-up of the objectives of the national plan of action and the development of new plans. 87. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur recalls, as a good example, general policy recommendation No. 2 of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, on specialized bodies to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance at the national level, especially chapter C of the appendix thereto, which states the functions and responsibilities of such bodies, in particular: to work towards the elimination of the various forms of discrimination; to monitor the content and effect of legislation with the aim of combating racism; to advise the legislative and executive authorities with a view to improving regulations and practice in the relevant fields; to provide assistance to victims, including legal aid, in order to secure their rights before institutions and the courts; to hear and consider complaints and petitions concerning specific cases and to seek settlements; to issue advice on standards of anti-discriminatory practice in areas of their application; to contribute to the training of key groups; and to promote the awareness of the general public on issues of discrimination and to produce and publish pertinent information and documents. The Special Rapporteur calls upon States to take into account such provisions when creating national specialized bodies. 88. Finally, the Special Rapporteur recommends that States ensure that national specialized bodies are given the appropriate mandates and resources, both human and financial, to be able to carry out their functions to their full potential, in particular with regard to the challenges reported above. 16-13565 21/21