A/53/269 24. This revival in the violent manifestations of anti-Semitism calls for vigilance and awareness raising. D. Exploitation and manipulation of ethnicity for political purposes 25. As was noted by the international meeting of experts on all forms of discrimination, held in Cotonou on 5 and 6 June 1997, apart from the well-known cases of Burundi and Rwanda where ethnic rivalries resulted in tragic conflicts, ethnic groups have once again become increasingly important in many African States. 26. Apparently, in some sub-Saharan African countries, the criteria for defining ethnic groups (territory, language, race) can either be factors for integration and unification or factors for differentiating between different ethnic groups within given geographical areas on the basis of deep-rooted historical and cultural stereotypes. Should such criteria be used to highlight differences, they could result in serious multifaceted conflicts. 27. Moreover, politics in many countries seems to be based essentially on ethnic and/or regional considerations. The ethnic group is therefore a political instrument and pawn (gaining and maintaining power/building the electoral base). At the government level, the ethnic group and/or region are fully taken into account in carrying out a skilful distribution of political posts as part of what is described a broad-based government of national unity, which is really more the result of attempts to achieve a balance between the regions or ethnic groups, such balance being perceived as a means of strengthening a nation’s cohesion, solidarity and unity. This concern for regional or ethnic balance is also a factor in appointments to key State managerial positions. Ethnic groups are thus exploited and manipulated to a great extent for political purposes, something which today should give cause for concern. 28. Moreover, ethnic areas have always constituted, and still constitute, the electoral base of leaders and politicians in sub-Saharan African countries. Such leaders often make speeches with heavy ethnic undertones, paying occasional lip-service to national unity or integration. Thus, it is still difficult for liberal democracy based on individual rights and human dignity to take root, although some progress has been noted. The foregoing partly explains the conflicts that have recently caused bloodbaths in many African countries. E. Internet and racism 29. As the Special Rapporteur noted in his previous reports (see A/52/47, paras. 19-21; E/CN.4/1998/79, para. 23), the use of the Internet for purposes of incitation to racial hatred is continuing. Over 200 sites worldwide are disseminating racist propaganda. As part of the international conference, and pursuant to the recommendations of the seminar on the role of the Internet in the light of the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which was held in Geneva from 10 to 14 November 1997 (E/CN.4/1998/77/Add.2), studies and research should be conducted on legal or voluntary measures that could be taken by States to prohibit the dissemination of racism on the Internet. IV. Measures taken or envisaged by Governments and legislative and judicial bodies and other authorities 7