A/72/291 injustice to the memory of the countless victims of crimes against humanity committed in the Second World War, in particular those committed by the SS organization and by those who fought against the anti-Hitler coalition and collaborated with the Nazi movement, and might negatively influence children and young people. The Special Rapporteur echoes the view of the Assembly that failure by States to effectively address such practices is incompatible with the obligations of States Members of the United Nations under its Charter, including those relating to the purposes and principles of the Organization. 8. The General Assembly also recalled the recommendation of the Special Rapporteur presented at the sixty-fourth session of the Assembly, in which he emphasized the importance of history classes in teaching the dramatic events and human suffering that arose out of the adoption of ideologies such as Nazism and Fascism (A/64/295, para. 104). The Special Rapporteur again stresses the importance of other positive measures and initiatives aimed at bringing communities together and providing them with space for genuine dialogue, such as round tables, working groups and seminars, including training seminars for State agents and media professionals, as well as awareness-raising activities, especially those initiated by civil society representatives, which requires continued State support. 9. In accordance with the practice established in his previous reports, the Special Rapporteur summarizes in the present report the information received on relevant activities undertaken by Member States in the implementation of resolution 71/179. In a letter dated 14 March 2017 addressed to Member States, as well as to nongovernmental organizations, the Special Rapporteur requested information on the implementation of the resolution. As at 10 July 2017, replies had been received from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Italy, Kazakhstan, Romania, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank all those who contributed to the present report and regrets that he was not able to consider submissions received after that date. 10. The original submissions received by the Special Rapporteur are on file with the Secretariat and are available for consultation. II. Contributions received from Member States A. Colombia 11. The Government of Colombia has informed the Special Rapporteur that it considers itself to be a multi-ethnic State and reaffirms the diverse racial and ethnic origins of its citizens and their valuable contributions to the nation. The Government condemns all forms of discrimination “that do not respect a people’s national identity”. Article 13 of the Political Constitution of 1991 provide s that all persons are born free and equal before the law and should be given equal protection and treatment by the authorities. 12. The Government has adopted strategic guidelines for public policy to create conditions for equal opportunities and comprehensive social development. I t also promotes affirmative action programmes and takes into account the exclusionary and discriminatory social practices that have historically affected minority populations. The national development plan for the period 2014-2018 includes specific actions for the various regions and their populations, including actions aimed at particular ethnic groups. The plan provides for an intersectoral commission to prepare a national plan for the International Decade for People of African Descent, including a celebration of Afro-Colombian heritage. The Government is also implementing a national strategy for 17-13411 5/21