E/CN.4/2006/16 page 9 that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights should assign a central role in peacebuilding to the thoroughgoing eradication of racism and racial discrimination with a view to building democratic, egalitarian and interactive multiculturalism in the region. The sixth negotiating session of representatives of various indigenous peoples’ organizations and of representatives of States took place in Guatemala from 10 to 14 October 2005, with the support of the Government and indigenous peoples’ organizations; a decision was taken to adopt the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The text had been under discussion since 1999 and, this year, for the first time, the Working Group held sessions away from the headquarters of OAS. 26. The Special Rapporteur wishes to commend the Government and the competent institutions in Guatemala for measures taken in follow-up to his report. The Government has thereby demonstrated its political determination to combat the racism and racial discrimination suffered by indigenous communities and those of African origin. The Special Rapporteur also welcomes the excellent cooperation of UNDP in compiling the necessary information. He trusts that other countries visited will follow this example. Lastly, he wishes to draw the Commission’s attention to a fundamental element in this dialogue and in his reports in general: the exchange of information, in particular on political, legislative, judicial and administrative practice, among countries in the context of measures to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. C. Activities of the Special Rapporteur 27. The activities of the Special Rapporteur, in addition to country visits, involved participation in meetings of international and regional organizations and non-governmental organizations relating to racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. Three elements underlay these joint activities: promoting and implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action; strengthening international mobilization against racism and giving concrete expression to the complementarity of mandates and mechanisms to combat racism; discussing and sharing experience, considerations and the problems relating to this common endeavour. Thus, the Special Rapporteur took part, inter alia, in the following meetings: 10 January Working Group on the drafting of an additional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Geneva 12 February Migrants’ Day, Quimper, France 28 February Thematic discussion of the question of prevention of genocide organized by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Geneva 8 March Discussion of multiculturalism organized by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Geneva 30 March-3 April Seminar on racism and gender, Puerto Rico 21-25 April Interfaith Peace Summit in Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa