A/HRC/35/41
opportunities for meaningful interaction and participation — and sports, which could play a
dynamic role in promoting tolerance and racial and cultural understanding.
28.
The Special Rapporteur stressed the role of human rights education and the respect
and promotion of cultural diversity as means of preventing and eliminating racism and
racial discrimination and the need to address institutional racism and racial discrimination
in order to increase cultural diversity, facilitate meaningful interaction and highlight the
positive contribution of minority groups. He recommended that political parties and the
media present opinions and news in the appropriate context and promote attitudes of peace
and reconciliation, rather than racially motivated hate speech or xenophobic and intolerant
rhetoric.
29.
The Special Rapporteur emphasized the importance of the preventive dimension in
countering racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. Preventive measures are
important as they support individuals before they become victims of discrimination.
Preventing racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia is forward looking as it anticipates
violations and addresses their contexts before they happen. He is of the opinion that
prevention has not yet received the attention it deserves, although some appreciable
progress has been made in some countries.
D.
Role of education in preventing racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance
30.
In his 2013 report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/23/56), the Special
Rapporteur focused on the role and place of education in addressing deep-rooted
discrimination and the legacy of historical injustices and as a means to enable individuals
and groups to lift themselves out of poverty.
31.
The Special Rapporteur highlighted three overlapping dimensions to be considered
when taking measures to secure access to education: non-discrimination, physical
accessibility and economic accessibility. Prohibiting racial discrimination does not exclude
resorting to temporary special measures in order to create equality. Physical accessibility
may entail the provision of distance-learning methods, State support for the use of various
media, promoting access to new technologies, establishing mobile schools and modifying
school cycles to take into account cultural practices. Economic accessibility requires that
education be affordable to all and guarantees that hidden costs do not lead to
discrimination.
32.
The Special Rapporteur recommended that States ensure that their general
curriculum contains adequate and balanced information on the contribution of minorities,
migrants and other groups in the country, so as to promote tolerance and respect. The
curriculum should also promote diversity, rather than racial and ethnic superiority, and
accurately portray atrocities. Teachers should regularly participate in training on promoting
respect for human rights and the fight against racism.
33.
The Special Rapporteur considered various contexts that impact the full enjoyment
of the right to education without discrimination. Racially motivated violence in schools
may contribute to hostile environments and schools should put stronger emphasis on raising
awareness about tolerance, non-discrimination and the values of a multicultural society.
Education is sometimes used as a tool for ethnic or racial stereotyping. Ensuring access to
education during armed conflicts is a major challenge and minority groups are often
disproportionately affected during such conflicts. The severe economic crisis in many
countries has resulted in drastic budgetary restrictions in the education sector. States must
evaluate the potential impact of cuts and ensure they do not have a disproportionate impact
on minorities.
34.
The Special Rapporteur highlighted the situations faced by various groups.
Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers faced multiple discrimination, including in the
enjoyment of the right to education. In particular, undocumented migrant children regularly
faced a high risk of exploitation, various legal barriers and economic challenges.
8