E/CN.4/1997/71
page 17
“Within the Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations
General Assembly, the Mexican Government has condemned violations of
migrant workers' rights and urged countries to consider the possibility
of signing, ratifying or acceding to the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families. Further to the announcement made by President
Ernesto Zedillo, it is intended that on 1 September next, when the
Mexican Senate reconvenes in ordinary session, it will be sent for
analysis and approval a bill whereby the Mexican Government will ratify
the said Convention.”
III.
ACTION BY GOVERNMENTS
35.
The Special Rapporteur welcomes the action taken by certain Governments
to eliminate or prevent racism, discrimination and xenophobia.
36.
The Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights informed the
Special Rapporteur that a bill, the Draft Race Relations (Northern Ireland)
Order 1996, has been submitted to the Parliament of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland for consideration. The bill would:
(a) introduce specific legislation on race relations in Northern Ireland,
prohibiting racial discrimination in employment, housing and the supply of
goods and services; (b) protect “travellers”; and (c) establish a commission
on racial equality for Northern Ireland. Consultations have already been held
between the parties concerned (ethnic minorities, non-governmental
organizations and the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights). 21
37.
The Estonian Government reports that:
“To further strengthen human rights and combat contemporary forms
of racism, on April 1996 the Estonian Parliament ratified the Council of
Europe Convention on Human Rights and its optional protocols 1, 4, 7, 10
and 11 and granted the right of individual petition to the European
Commission on Human Rights”. 22
38.
The Government of Cyprus reports that:
“The Law Commissioner is at present considering legislative
measures for the regulation and monitoring of broadcast programmes as
well as of cinematographic films. Among other international and
national legislation, Directive 89/552 of the European Union is being
taken into account. In particular, the said Directive includes a
provision stating that the Member States should take the necessary
measures so that broadcast programmes should not incite acts or
activities likely to cause hatred, discrimination or violence against
persons by reason of racial, sexual, religious or nationality
differences.” 23
39.
Morocco informed the Special Rapporteur that:
“Monitoring questions relating to the status of working
conditions, reception and protection of the interests of Moroccan
migrant workers is a major concern of the Moroccan Government. Efforts