A/HRC/20/33 to improve the conditions of victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and prevent violations which fall under his mandate. 5. In the present report the Special Rapporteur expounds on the need for a comprehensive approach to preventing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (part II); possible preventive measures and policies (part III); the role of key actors in preventing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (part IV); and further tools to be considered in the prevention of racism and racial discrimination (part V). He then gives an overview of the mandate activities since November 2011 in part VI. The conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur are outlined in part VII. II. The prevention of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the need for a comprehensive approach 6. Racism is a complex and multidimensional issue that necessitates a comprehensive approach to address it in all its political, economic, social and cultural aspects. In such a comprehensive approach, the importance and value of preventive measures cannot be overemphasized. Prevention measures are particularly important since racial discrimination is also driven by attitudes and ideas of racial and cultural hierarchies and superiority. Indeed as stated in the Durban Declaration one of the main obstacles in overcoming racial discrimination and achieving racial equality is the prevalence of racist attitudes and negative stereotyping.4 In this regard paragraph 144 (c) of the Durban Programme of Action urges States to combat the proliferation of ideas of racial superiority, justification of racial hatred and discrimination in any form. Furthermore the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination commits States parties to prevent and combat racist doctrines and practices among others. Reports by previous Special Rapporteurs have noted that beliefs and attitudes are part of the complexity of racism and that it rests on a bedrock of attitudes and ideas of racial superiority. Combating racism effectively requires that these ideas and attitudes be challenged and corrected. This calls for attention on the role of institutions and processes that shape behaviour and attitudes. 7. The Special Rapporteur is of the view that the connection between racism and conflicts as highlighted by his predecessor remains accurate and should be taken into account in any efforts at national, regional and international levels. Preventing armed conflicts and the attendant human rights violations such as genocide and ethnic cleansing that may occur in this context calls for decisive and comprehensive prevention of racism. The Special Rapporteur builds on the work of his predecessors, who have analysed how the concepts of national identity that construct some groups as “others” and “outsiders” to be excluded from the full enjoyment of human rights, may foster racism and racial discrimination if not handled carefully and thereby lead to the creation of tension or conflict.5 In a number of contemporary armed conflicts grave human rights violations have been perpetrated against individuals or groups of individuals who have been singled out and stigmatized on the basis of their ethnicity and race. For instance in the genocides in Rwanda and the Balkans, racial and ethnic stereotypes were exploited and violence directed against individuals on ethnic and racial lines. The Special Rapporteur shares the view of his predecessor that the ethnic or racial dimension of a conflict should be acknowledged and 4 5 4 Durban Declaration, para. 79. A/HRC/14/43; E/CN.4/2005/18.