E/CN.4/2002/24 page 4 Summary This report was drafted in an international context marked by the terrorist attack of 11 September 2001 against the United States and by the need to combat terrorism in all its forms. The Special Rapporteur’s mandate did not escape the consequences of the 11 September tragedy, whether because of the racist or xenophobic reactions which that event sparked off or because of a so-called “war of civilizations” unleashed by the explosions in the towers of the World Trade Center in New York. In this disturbing context, the importance of the mechanisms whose role it is to ensure respect for human rights by shedding objective light on the irrational events and reactions that lead to discrimination is more apparent than ever. In chapter II, which addresses contemporary manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Special Rapporteur focuses on reactions against Muslims/Arabs and other population groups in the wake of the 11 September attacks in several countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States and member countries of the European Union (Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom, Sweden). This chapter also examines manifestations of anti-Semitism in North America, Europe and Russia. In addition, the racist violence and activities of far-right, neo-Nazi and skinhead organizations in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and Switzerland are addressed. Lastly, a section is devoted to the situation of the Roma/Sinti/travellers in eastern Europe, and especially Bulgaria. Replies to allegations of racism or racial discrimination transmitted to Governments (chap. III) have been received from China, Japan and Latvia; another section deals with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. The information on follow-up to field visits and measures taken or envisaged by Governments to combat racism (chap. IV) relates to the following countries: Germany, Brazil, Egypt, Spain, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand. Another section is devoted to the European Union. In the conclusion (chap. V), the Special Rapporteur emphasizes the fact that the persistence of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in both subtle and violent manifestations shows that issues of equality, social justice and respect for the diversity of the human race are crucial to solving the problems with which mankind is confronted in the twenty-first century. He welcomes the holding of the World Conference against Racism; the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, in his opinion, provide the international community with a platform for attacking the sources of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance. Among the measures proposed, the Special Rapporteur attaches fundamental importance to education as a means of converting racist, xenophobic and intolerant mentalities into a psychological outlook imbued with the humanistic values of respect for others, brotherhood and solidarity. He advocates the adoption of legislative measures to punish acts of racial discrimination and prohibit racist organizations and their