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removing potential obstacles. The proposed instrument provides that the same racist and
xenophobic conduct would be punishable in all member States, which would define a common
European Union criminal law approach to this phenomenon. This decision should also permit
the intensification of means of combating racist crimes perpetrated by members of
extreme-right organizations, neo-Nazis, skinheads, etc. The Commission has noted that
between 1999 and 2001 these crimes increased in the European Union.
V. CONCLUSION
117. The persistence of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in
both subtle and violent manifestations shows that questions 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. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the holding of the
World Conference against Racism. In the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action the
international community has a platform for attacking the sources of these phenomena. 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 also
attaches importance to the adoption of legislative measures to punish acts of racial discrimination
and prohibit racist organizations and their activities. Lastly, he is convinced that, without
economic and social measures in support of peoples marginalized by racial discrimination, action
against these evils will be limited in scope. A combination of educational, legislative and
socio-economic measures must therefore be adopted.
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS
118. The Special Rapporteur urges those States which have not yet done so to ratify the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and requests
all States to enact anti-discrimination legislation at the domestic level and to publicize it in all
modern media and in languages accessible to the greatest possible number of people.
119. The Special Rapporteur would also like to call on all Governments to show restraint in
solving problems relating to terrorism, so as to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms when adopting security measures. Furthermore, it is essential that Governments
should prevent and combat irrational reactions against individuals or groups suspected of having
links with terrorist activities.
120. Lastly, the Special Rapporteur reiterates his desire that the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights should erect a monument to the memory of all victims of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
121. At the conclusion of his mandate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, the Special Rapporteur would like to express his gratitude to all States,
non-governmental organizations, institutions and private individuals that have extended their
cooperation to him in the performance of his mission.