A/HRC/23/56/Add.1 programmes in the plan of action. For the programmes under the plan of action to be launched, however, the approval of a supreme decree by the Executive branch, which would define the implementation procedures of the plan of action, is still required. Regardless of the pending formal approval of the plan of action, some entities have already initiated action under their respective competencies; for instance, the Ministry of Education is currently seeking to mainstream the fight against racism into curricula at different levels of the education system. The Ministry of Development Planning approved the 2013 planning guidelines for public bodies across the State, in which it has included programmes on more than one area of development for the fight against racism and discrimination. 23. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the fact that, in late 2011, departmental committees against racism and all forms of discrimination began to be formed in Tarija and Chuquisaca Departments under the auspices of the departmental governments and with the participation of civil society organizations. The initial activities of the committees include working on the elaboration of departmental plans action against racism and discrimination with the participation of public and civil society actors. 24. The National Committee against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and the Ministry of Cultures, through the Vice-Ministry of Decolonization, are responsible for compiling statistical information on recorded complaints and the monitoring of administrative and judicial processes on cases of racism and discrimination. The objective of the system and the database is to analyse racist and/or discriminatory behaviours and attitudes and to use the results in the formulation of relevant public policies; to generate periodic analytical reports on the implementation of Law No. 045 and trends of racism and discrimination in Bolivia; and to involve all levels of the Government in the work of recording and monitoring administrative and judicial proceedings on racism and discrimination. 25. The national plan of action on human rights was approved by Supreme Decree No. 29851 of 10 December 2008. This instrument, prepared by the Ministry of Justice with the participation of relevant institutions and civil society, includes important provisions on the fight against racism and racial discrimination, as well as on the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and Afro-Bolivians. V. Main challenges in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance A. Implementation of policy and legal measures 26. The fight against racism and racial discrimination is recognized as a priority policy matter of the State. It was noted, however, that the implementation of relevant legislation and plans of action still posed significant challenges owing to lack of capacity, expertise and adequate resources. The Government has declared its commitment to the effective implementation of Law No. 045 and the plan of action, and recognizes existing challenges, such as the lack of financial and human resources. 27. Many of the interlocutors felt that the existing political polarization within the country impedes effective implementation of the legislation against racism. Social fragmentation remains prevalent owing to the legacy of a colonial structure, the centurieslong exclusion of indigenous peoples and communities in political and social life, and economic exploitation. 28. According to Government data for 2012, the statistics on complaints relating to acts of racism and discrimination showed a considerable increase when compared with the 7