A/HRC/20/33 decision that is best made after a thorough assessment of the individual circumstances of each case. This decision should always be guided by well-defined criteria, in accordance with international standards, and be made by an independent and impartial court or tribunal, taking into account the local conditions, history, culture and political context. B. Sport 40. Promoting the message of tolerance and non-discrimination through sport constitutes one of the important approaches in the prevention of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance. In the past, the General Assembly has underscored the role of sport in promoting tolerance while expressing concern over an increase in racist incidents in sport activities. The Special Rapporteur notes that his predecessors have stressed that sports are well positioned to play a dynamic role in the promotion of interculturalism in all societies, based on the principles of equality, solidarity and respect for diversity. He recalls that paragraph 86 of the Durban Programme of Action calls upon States to counter ideologies which promote racial hatred and racial discrimination, including by taking measures to combat the negative influence of such ideologies, especially on young people, through formal and non-formal education, the media and sport. 41. The Special Rapporteur further recalls resolution 13/27 of the Human Rights Council and emphasizes the importance of enhancing and establishing cooperation among States, intergovernmental organizations, international, regional and national sporting bodies and civil society to prevent racism. Moreover paragraph 218 of the Durban Programme of Action also urges States, in cooperation with intergovernmental organizations, the International Olympic Committee and international and regional sports federations, to intensify the fight against racism in sport by, among other things, educating the youth of the world through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires human understanding, tolerance, fair play and solidarity. 42. The Special Rapporteur is however concerned that despite the immense potential of sport in promoting tolerance, racism in sport is still a serious problem. He notes that sport federations in some parts of the world have committed themselves to and often taken measures to punish and prevent racist incidents in sporting events such as football. The efforts by States, international sporting bodies and civil society actors interested in combating racism in sport can serve as best practices that can be shared. In this regard the Special Rapporteur proposes to highlight such measures in future reports. VI. Activities of the Special Rapporteur A. Country visits 43. Country visits are an essential part of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate. They provide an important opportunity for the mandate holder to interact with Government representatives and members of civil society. In the planning of such visits the Special Rapporteur will take into account the underlying principle that racism is a universal problem and therefore considers the importance of achieving geographical balance and addressing a wide range of situations of concern to his mandate. 44. Following his appointment the Special Rapporteur has renewed formal requests sent by his predecessor to visit Bolivia and Sudan. He would like to thank the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the Government of the Republic of Sudan, which have accepted his requests for visits. He hopes to undertake the fact-finding missions to 13