A/RES/48/91 Page 2 Recalling also the outcome of the two World Conferences to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, held at Geneva in 1978 and 1983, Welcoming the outcome of the World Conference on Human Rights, and, in particular, the attention given in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance, 5/ Welcoming also the decision taken by the Economic and Social Councilon 28 July 1993 concerning the appointment of a special rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, 6/ Recalling its resolution 38/14 of 22 November 1983, the annex to which contains the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, Noting with grave concern that despite the efforts of the international community, the principal objectives of the two Decades for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination have not been attained and that millions of human beings continue to this day to be the victims of varied forms of racism, racial discrimination and apartheid, Deeply concerned about the current trend of the evolution of racism into discriminatory practices based on culture, nationality, religion or language, Recalling, in particular, its resolution 47/77 of 16 December 1992, Having considered the report submitted by the Secretary-General 7/ within the framework of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade, Firmly convinced of the need to take more effective and sustained measures at the national and international levels for the elimination of all forms of racism and racial discrimination, Welcoming the proposal to launch a third decade to combat racism and racial discrimination, Convinced of the need to ensure and support the peaceful transition towards a democratic and non-racial South Africa, Recognizing the importance of strengthening national legislation and institutions for the promotion of racial harmony, __________ 5/ See Report of the World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna, 14-25 June 1993 (A/CONF.157/24 (Part I)), chap. III. 6/ Economic and Social Council decision 1993/258. 7/ A/48/423. /...