A/HRC/7/19/Add.4 page 2 Summary At the invitation of the Government of Lithuania and in pursuance of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance visited Lithuania from 16 to 19 September 2007 to assess the situation of issues pertaining to his mandate. The Special Rapporteur held meetings with State authorities as well as with civil society, representatives of minority communities and victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Special Rapporteur concluded that there is a solid legal and institutional framework in place to tackle racism and discrimination in Lithuania, but that further steps need to be taken to ensure the full and complete application of existing legislation. He highlighted the existence of a historical multicultural tradition in Lithuania that will be useful to overcome the challenges that the country will face in the future. However, the Special Rapporteur found areas of concern, particularly regarding historical minorities like people of Russian descent and some vulnerable groups, notably Romas and non-European new migrants. In particular, he noted with concern the profound discrimination faced by the Roma community, particularly in the fields of employment, education and housing. Non-European minorities have also faced growing problems in terms of racist violence as well as hate speech. Contrary to traditional minorities, which have been present in the country for decades or centuries, these new migrants pose new identity problems that need to be overcome through the promotion of tolerance and multiculturalism. Lithuania, as several Eastern European and Baltic countries, is currently at a turning point in history. After the restoration of its independence in 1990, Lithuania started its integration into the globalized world, a process that carries a number of challenges demanding constant vigilance by authorities and civil society alike. The most important challenge, shared by all Baltic States, is the balance between the continuity of a nation with profound historical roots and the dynamic of a new multicultural identity inherited from its recent history. Another pressing challenge is to prepare its society for the arrival of new waves of non-European migrants bearing different traditions, cultures and religions. This challenge is also an opportunity of enriching the Lithuanian society with more diversity, intercultural dialogue and interaction. The Special Rapporteur formulates several recommendations, including: − State authorities should highlight their strong political will and commitment to fight all forms of racism and discrimination as well as their vigilance and sensitivity to the dynamics of multiculturalism and identity changes faced by its society; − The Government should promote a profound process of multiculturalism based on the recognition and respect for the cultural and religious diversity of its different communities, old and recent, and the strengthening of the unity of the nation. Education, in particular the writing and teaching of history based on this logic, should play a key role;