A/HRC/38/53
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
25 April 2018
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Thirty-eighth session
18 June–6 July 2018
Agenda item 9
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation
of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance
Note by the Secretariat
The Secretariat has the honour to transmit to the Human Rights Council the report of
the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, E. Tendayi Achiume, pursuant to General Assembly resolution
72/156. In the report, the Special Rapporteur addresses recent, concerning shifts in
ideologies and support for Nazism and neo-Nazism and their glorification. Contemporary
manifestations of Nazism and neo-Nazism constitute continuing human rights and
democratic challenges, and the Special Rapporteur recalls the applicable international
human rights legal framework in this context. The Special Rapporteur highlights the
broadening of neo-Nazi groups to embrace white nationalists and right-wing populist
movements, and the manner in which this broadening poses a serious threat to many racial,
ethnic and religious groups. Women, gender and sexually diverse populations, and persons
with disabilities are also targets. She documents the recent political impact and popularity
of neo-Nazism and its embrace even by political leaders at the highest levels of national
office. She also surveys the role of technology in consolidating neo-Nazism and its harmful
effects, especially where children and youth are concerned. In conclusion, the Special
Rapporteur offers recommendations for future research and consultations in order for States
to better understand and address the contemporary scourge of neo-Nazism. She also calls
on civil society organizations to form unified, diverse coalitions in opposition to neoNazism.
GE.18-06574(E)