A/HRC/35/42
education in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, in deconstructing prejudices and in promoting the principles of respect
and tolerance for ethnic, religious and cultural diversity (see A/HRC/23/56, para. 57).
42.
The Special Rapporteur recommends the implementation of comprehensive
and mandatory human rights trainings for law enforcement officials and members of
the judiciary, with a focus on racist and xenophobic crimes perpetrated by individuals
linked to extremist political parties, groups and movements. This would reinforce
their capacity to address crimes motivated by racist, xenophobic, anti-Semitic or
homophobic biases. (See A/HRC/26/50, para. 54, A/HRC/29/47, paras. 49-50, and
A/HRC/32/49, para. 23.)
D.
Holocaust denial
43.
The Special Rapporteur reiterates his absolute condemnation of any denial or
attempt to deny the Holocaust, as well as all manifestations of religious intolerance,
incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic
origin or religious belief. He urges States to implement effective legislative and
educational measures in order to prevent revisionism of the Second World War, the
denial of the Holocaust and the Nazi genocide. He recalls the importance of the
preservation of the sites that served as Nazi death camps, concentration and forced
labour camps and prisons. (See A/HRC/29/47, para. 56, and A/HRC/32/49, para. 24.)
E.
Disaggregated data
44.
The Special Rapporteur maintains his previous recommendations concerning
the importance of collecting disaggregated data and statistics on racist, xenophobic,
anti-Semitic and homophobic crimes in order to identify the types of offences
committed, the characteristics of the victims and of the perpetrators and whether they
are affiliated with an extremist political party, movement or group. States should
allocate adequate resources to improve the quality of data-collection systems while
involving the civil society in the process, which is to be undertaken in such a way as to
guarantee the protection of privacy. The collection of such data would enhance a
better understanding of the phenomenon and identify effective measures to be taken
to address these crimes. (See A/70/335, paras. 84-92.)
F.
Internet and social media
45.
The Special Rapporteur reiterates his concerns regarding the increasing use of
the Internet and social media to promote and disseminate racist content. All
opportunities should be taken in order to counter the dissemination of such ideas
based on racial superiority or hatred and to promote the principles of respect,
non-discrimination, diversity and democracy. The Special Rapporteur would like to
recall the States’ obligations under articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights. States should adopt measures to counter extremist ideas
and biases, while strengthening freedom of expression, which plays a crucial role in
promoting democracy and combating racist and xenophobic ideologies. (See
A/HRC/26/49, paras. 65-70.)
G.
Sport
46.
The Special Rapporteur would like to emphasize the key role of sports in
promoting cultural diversity, tolerance and respect. He would also like to recall
paragraph 218 of the Durban Programme of Action, which urges States, in
cooperation with the International Olympic Committee, intergovernmental
organizations and international and regional sports federations, to intensify the fight
against racism in sport by educating the youth of the world through sport practised
8