E/CN.4/2006/16/Add.3 page 19 65. The Special Rapporteur noted the almost complete lack of representation of Blacks and Indians in State institutions. In Bahia State, for example, Afro-Brazilians constitute the majority of the population and their cultural and religious vitality illustrates the Brazilian identity, which is proudly displayed nationally and internationally, yet they are not visible in the highest levels of city and State power. This is striking. The State of Bahia confirms the fact that in a situation of profound systemic discrimination, cultural promotion does not necessarily result in political participation. On the contrary, cultural promotion is in fact used as a disguise, a mask behind which is hidden the de facto social, economic and political discrimination and exclusion suffered by these communities. 66. Racism and racial discrimination are more deeply cultural and historical in nature and touch the central issue of national identity. The Special Rapporteur noted with concern the lack of a national memorial on slavery, which appears as a denial of the place of slavery in the national memory of the country. In the same spirit, the over-exploitation of the Afro-Brazilian and indigenous heritage and culture for tourism without meaningful social and economic benefits, is a source of profound frustration and alienation for their communities. More recently, their spiritual and religious traditions are being threatened by the unchecked aggressive proselytism of some powerful evangelical groups. The process of profound destruction of the cultures of the Indigenous peoples can be seen in the slow disappearance of their languages. 67. The Special Rapporteur notes with satisfaction the recognition by the federal Government of how deeply rooted racism is in Brazil and its effects on the structure of the entire society since it was founded. He also notes that a promising legislative framework including programmes, mechanisms and institutions have been put in place to combat racism and racial discrimination. He notes however, with concern, the resistance to the federal Government policies within the society, within the Governments and the judiciary at the State level, where the ideology of racial democracy still determines perceptions and policies. 68. Accordingly, recognizing the determination of the Government to eradicate all forms, manifestations and expressions of racism and racial discrimination, and with the view of strengthening its political will and enlarging its promising policies, the Special Rapporteur submits to the Government, in the following section, a number of recommendations relating to its political and legal strategy, but also the need of an intellectual, cultural and ethical strategy in order to eradicate the deeper roots and manifestations of racism and racial discrimination, which are debilitating the political, human, social and economic future of Brazil. V. RECOMMENDATIONS 69. Much depends on the success or failure of the Government of Brazil in eradicating racism and racial discrimination, not only in terms of the strengthening of democracy, and social and inter-ethnic harmony in Brazil but also for all countries of the South American region with similar historical legacies of racism and racial inequalities. Unrecognized by most of these Governments, racism and racial discrimination are still prevalent to different degrees and are deeply rooted in their societies. 70. Given the historical, social and cultural entrenchment of racism and racial discrimination, efforts to combat and eradicate their roots, manifestations and expressions should be undertaken as a process of national catharsis in two key steps: