E/CN.4/1998/79
page 22
Special Rapporteur's observations
81.
The Special Rapporteur is gratified by this reaffirmation of support by
a State which has consistently upheld his mandate. The information note is
available for consultation in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights.
(d)
Russian Federation
82.
The Russian Federation states that the Russian Constitution contains
provisions prohibiting incitation to national, racial or religious hatred and
propaganda in favour of discrimination, hostility or violence. The
communication states that “The new Russian Penal Code provides for
administrative and penal sanctions in cases of violation of the principle
of the equality of citizens on grounds of race, nationality or other
considerations ... There are a number of non-governmental organizations and
associative movements in Russia that combat the propagation of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. Examples are the Anti-fascist
Committee and the Russian Jewish Congress”.
Special Rapporteur's observations
83.
The Special Rapporteur welcomes these measures and would appreciate
receiving all the documents relating to them (constitutional, legislative and
administrative texts and, if possible, judicial decisions).
(e)
Zimbabwe
84.
The Government of Zimbabwe states that the Charter of Rights contains
provisions curbing discrimination, including discrimination based on race
(art. 23 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe). The Government of Zimbabwe intends
introducing legislation to curb discrimination; it is of the view that the
draft law on the subject should prohibit discrimination based on political
opinion, beliefs and sex in a variety of contexts.
Special Rapporteur's observations
85.
The Special Rapporteur would appreciate receiving documentation, when
available, on the measures taken in Zimbabwe to curb contemporary forms of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance.
(f)
Cuba
86.
The communication from Cuba contains an analysis of the situation as
regards racism and the programme of education envisaged. The communication
states that “In the Republic of Cuba there are no indigenous populations or
immigrant workers and the population is of a mono-ethnic nature, 98 per cent
possessing clearly-defined basic cultural traits, which does not mean that the
society is not multiracial. The triumph of the Revolution led to the
destruction of the institutional basis of racism as well as all forms of
discrimination; racial prejudice was reduced to relatively insignificant
proportions and conditions were created that limited the danger of such
prejudices turning into discriminatory social behaviour, since the policy of