A/HRC/11/36/Add.2 page 17 Nouakchott, whose main purpose was to analyse the various models for strengthening national unity in other countries and identify the best approach for implementing a model specially suited to the situation in Mauritania. During the discussions a consensus developed on the establishment of an independent national structure to deal solely with the unresolved humanitarian issues and composed, inter alia, of representatives of victims, human rights organizations, the Bar Association, religious leaders and eminent persons. IV. ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR 63. Having considered the information and analyses provided by the national and regional authorities, the members and representatives of the communities concerned, NGOs and other civil society stakeholders, the Special Rapporteur submits below his analysis of the situation of racism and ethnic and racial discrimination in Mauritania and his conclusions. 64. The Special Rapporteur’s main conclusion following the visit was that, while there are no manifestations of legally endorsed or State-approved racism in the country, Mauritanian society has been deeply marked by continuing discriminatory practices of an ethnic and racial nature, rooted in cultural traditions and pervasively present in social structures and attitudes. A number of persistent features of Mauritanian society have given substance and depth to such discrimination over a long period of time, including: the central role of traditional slavery; the cultural and social entrenchment of the caste system; the pervasiveness of the racial and ethnic paradigm in the principal institutions of the State such as the armed forces and the justice system, and the use of ethnicity as a political tool, for example through language policies which have contributed significantly to the polarization of various communities. 65. The Special Rapporteur believes that Mauritania currently faces three major challenges: construction of a multicultural, democratic, egalitarian and participatory society; comprehensive and permanent eradication of discriminatory cultural traditions; and the correction of political, economic and social inequalities caused by the historical legacy of discrimination. 66. The Special Rapporteur identifies positive points and makes various critical comments regarding the need to strengthen peaceful coexistence based on respect for and recognition of the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of this society as well as a feeling of belonging and an acceptance by all communities of the unity of the Mauritanian nation. Positive points 67. The Special Rapporteur believes that the political will expressed at the highest level of the State by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, to combat the heavy legacy of racism and racial discrimination by means of a determined transition to democracy and the rule of law, constitutes the most decisive positive factor that will enable Mauritanian society to not only come to terms with its historical legacy of discrimination but also find ways and means of eradicating the root causes of discrimination and its various forms and manifestations, and remedy its consequences. He welcomes the President’s commitment in that regard, which was expressed with sincerity and determination and has led, among other things, to the implementation of significant programmes and measures at the legislative and institutional levels aimed at improving the human rights situation.