UNITED NATIONS CERD International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination Distr. GENERAL CERD/C/DEU/CO/18 22 September 2008 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION Seventy-third session 28 July - 15 August 2008 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination GERMANY 1. The Committee considered the sixteenth to eighteenth periodic reports of Germany submitted as one document (CERD/C/DEU/18), at its 1886th and 1887th meetings (CERD/C/SR.1886 and CERD/C/SR.1887), held on 5 and 6 August 2008. At its 1998th meeting (CERD/C/SR.1998) held on 13 August 2008, it adopted the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of Germany’s sixteenth to eighteenth periodic reports, which were elaborated in conformity with the Committee’s reporting guidelines, and expresses appreciation for the frank and constructive dialogue held with the delegation and for the comprehensive and thorough written replies to the list of issues, provided in a timely manner prior to the session. It further appreciates the attendance of a delegation composed of experts from various ministries, including the representative of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Office of the Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. 3. The Committee appreciates the fact that the German Institute for Human Rights (Deutsches Institut für Menschenrechte), non-governmental organizations working on human rights and racism issues, and representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities, have contributed to the elaboration of the present report. GE.08-44150