A/72/291
87. The Special Rapporteur recalls paragraph 13 of the outcome document of
the Durban Review Conference (A/CONF.211/8, chap. I), in which the
Conference reaffirmed that any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred
that constituted incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence should be
prohibited by law, as should all dissemination of ideas based on racial
superiority, hatred or incitement to racial discrimination as well as all acts of
violence or incitement to such acts. In that regard, the Special Rapporteur calls
upon all States to respect the commitments made in the Convention and in the
Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which is a comprehensive
framework for action against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia.
C.
Education and capacity-building
88. The Special Rapporteur recalls that education remains the most effective
means of countering the negative influence that extremist political parties,
movements and groups may have on young people. Recalling his thematic
report of 2013 (see A/HRC/23/56), he recommends that States recognize the
important role of education in combating racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, especially in promoting the principles of
tolerance and respect to ethnic, religious and cultural diversity and preventing
the proliferation of extremist racist and xenophobic movements and
propaganda. Law enforcement officials and members of the judiciary should
also be provided with the capacity to address crimes motivated by racist,
xenophobic, anti-Semitic or homophobic biases, through comprehensive and
mandatory human rights training, with a specific focus on racist and
xenophobic crimes perpetrated by individuals linked to extremist political
parties, groups and movements.
D.
Internet and social media
89. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his concerns regarding the increased
use of the Internet and social media by extremist political parties, movem ents
and groups to promote and disseminate racist content (see A/HRC/26/49). He
calls upon States to take all opportunities, including those provided by the
Internet, to counter the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or
hatred and promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, diversity and
democracy, while respecting their obligations under articles 19 and 20 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. States should adopt
measures to counter such ideas and biases and strengthen freedom of
expression, which plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and combating
racist and xenophobic ideologies based on racial superiority.
E.
Sports
90. The Special Rapporteur calls upon States to strengthen measures to
prevent racist and xenophobic incidents at sporting events. As he indicated in
his report to the General Assembly in 2014 (see A/69/340), he further emphasizes
the key role of sports in promoting cultural diversity, tolerance and harmony.
The Special Rapporteur recommends that States and other relevant
stakeholders, such as sports federations, take advantage of such events to
promote the values of tolerance and respect. He recalls paragraph 218 of the
Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, in which States were urged, in
cooperation with intergovernmental organizations, the International Olympic
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