A/RES/56/267 Noting that the reports that the States parties submit under the Convention contain, inter alia, information about the causes of, as well as measures to combat, contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Noting with concern the existence of multiple discrimination, in particular against women, Underlining the importance of urgently eliminating continuing and violent trends of racism and racial discrimination, and conscious that any form of impunity for crimes motivated by racist and xenophobic attitudes plays a role in weakening the rule of law and democracy, tends to encourage the recurrence of such crimes and requires resolute action and cooperation for its eradication, Recognizing that failure to combat racial discrimination and xenophobia, especially by public authorities and politicians, is a factor encouraging their perpetuation in society, Emphasizing the importance of creating conditions that foster greater harmony and tolerance within societies, 1. Expresses its full support and appreciation for the work of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and encourages its continuation; 2. Invites the Special Rapporteur to continue his exchange of views with Member States, United Nations organs and the specialized agencies, other relevant mechanisms and non-governmental organizations in order to further their effectiveness and mutual cooperation; 3. Commends the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination for its role in the effective implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,5 which contributes to the fight against contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; 4. Urges States that have not yet done so to consider ratifying or acceding to the international human rights instruments that combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in particular to accede to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as a matter of urgency, with a view to achieving universal ratification by 2005 and to consider making the declaration envisaged under article 14 thereof, to comply with their reporting obligations and to publish and act upon the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and also urges States to withdraw reservations contrary to the object and purpose of that Convention and to consider withdrawing other reservations; 5. Urges States to adopt and implement or strengthen national legislation and administrative measures that expressly and specifically counter racism and prohibit racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance whether direct or indirect, in all spheres of public life, in accordance with their obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, ensuring that their reservations are not contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention; 3