E/CN.4/2006/16 page 19 with regard to football, that, at the initiative of FIFA and the host country, Germany, a highly significant and symbolic event could be organized in conjunction with the United Nations, in particular the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in order to send out a strong message against racism on the occasion of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. To this end, on 1 March 2005, the Special Rapporteur had a meeting in Vienna with the European Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) and with the artist André Heller, who is responsible for organizing special events in connection with the upcoming FIFA World Cup. 57. The Special Rapporteur also reiterates the recommendation contained in his report to the Commission on Human Rights (E/CN.4/2005/18, para. 48 (g)): to invite international sports organizations to take tough measures against the perpetrators of racist incidents. The Special Rapporteur believes that international sports bodies should ask national federations to submit annual reports on racist incidents and the action taken in response to them. The Special Rapporteur again emphasizes the role of civil society organizations, in particular non-governmental organizations, in the fight against racism in sport and invites them to become more involved through projects designed to improve knowledge and appreciation of others. 58. In this connection the Special Rapporteur recommended the organization of a significant, symbolic and spectacular international event as an illustration of international mobilization against racism in sport in connection with the World Cup in 2006 in Germany, with participation by the United Nations Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, heads of State from every region, the heads of the major international sports organizations and leading sports figures symbolizing their sports, mobilized against racism, together with the media from every region. The Special Rapporteur wishes to recommend to the host country for the World Cup that it should begin to organize such an event as a matter of urgency, as it could have a considerable impact throughout the world on the question of racism, an issue of concern to all countries. 59. The Special Rapporteur noted with satisfaction the positive response by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to his proposal to the General Assembly. III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 60. The Special Rapporteur recommends the adoption of legislation against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, pursuant to article 4, paragraphs (a) and (b), of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. 61. The Special Rapporteur recommends to the Commission the promotion by member States of the link between efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, and the construction of democratic, interactive and egalitarian multiculturalism. This strategy is essential in ensuring that cultural diversity becomes an effective weapon against racism. 62. In a similar vein the Commission is invited to draw the attention of member States to the historical and cultural depth of racism. In this regard efforts to combat racism must involve economic, social and political measures and relate to the question of identity,