A/57/204 I. Introduction 1. In resolution 56/267, on measures to combat contemporary forms of racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the General Assembly drew attention to a number of situations that gave rise to concern and recommended various actions which Member States should take to eliminate the evils cited. 2. The General Assembly expressed its alarm at the increase in racist violence in many parts of the world, inter alia, as a result of the resurgent activities of associations established on the basis of racist and xenophobic platforms and charters, and the persistent use of those platforms and charters to promote or incite racist ideologies. It emphasized that remembering the crimes and wrongs of the past, wherever and whenever they occurred, unequivocally condemning its racist tragedies and telling the truth about history are essential elements for international reconciliation and the creation of societies based on justice, equality and solidarity. It expressed its deep concern that those advocating racism and racial discrimination misuse new communication technologies, including the Internet, to disseminate their repugnant views. It also expressed its deep concern that racism and racial discrimination against migrant workers still persist despite the efforts undertaken by the international community to protect the human rights of migrant workers and members of their families. It condemned political platforms and organizations based on racism, xenophobia or doctrines of racial superiority and related discrimination, as well as legislation and practices based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as incompatible with democracy and transparent and accountable governance. It noted with concern the existence of multiple discrimination, in particular against women. 3. The General Assembly therefore, inter alia, urged States to adopt and implement legislation and administrative measures that counter racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all spheres of public life. It also recommended that measures should be taken against the use of audio-visual and electronic media to incite racial hatred and urged States to take all necessary measures to address specifically, through policies and programmes, racism and racially motivated violence against women and girls and to increase cooperation, policy responses and effective implementation of national legislation and of their obligations under relevant international instruments, and to take other protective and preventive measures aimed at the elimination of all forms of racially motivated discrimination and violence against women and girls. 4. With a view to remedying the double discrimination suffered by women, the General Assembly urged States to mainstream a gender perspective in the design and development of measures of prevention, education and protection aimed at the eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at all levels, to ensure that they effectively target the distinct situations of women and men. It also called upon States to combat trafficking in persons, in particular women and children, and smuggling of migrants, taking into account practices that endanger human lives or lead to various kinds of servitude and exploitation such as debt bondage, slavery, sexual exploitation and labour exploitation. 5. With respect to the activities of law enforcement agencies, the General Assembly urged States to design and implement effective policies and programmes to prevent, detect and ensure accountability for misconduct by police officers and 4