E/CN.4/2006/16 page 17 conditions of hygiene for prolonged periods of time and are unable to contest the legality or necessity of their detention or to file a complaint for mistreatment, as in most cases the possibility of obtaining legal assistance is limited, if not non-existent. Allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers or supervisory staff are also a cause for concern. E. Racism and sport 44. The Special Rapporteur discussed the issue of racism in sport in his previous report to the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session (A/59/329), in response to General Assembly resolution 58/160, which requested him “to pay special attention to the increasing frequency of incidents of racism at various sporting events”. The General Assembly, in its resolution 59/177, while noting with appreciation the efforts made by some governing bodies in sports to combat racism, expressed its concern at the increasing incidence of racism at various sporting events. 45. In his general report to the Commission on Human Rights at its sixty-first session (E/CN.4/2005/18), the Special Rapporteur drew attention to the increase in racist incidents in sport, in particular in football. Among the reasons for this increase, he has noted that the noble ideals of competition and mutual respect are being eroded by the exacerbation of the nationalistic dimension of competitions and the over-commercialization of sport. 46. He has also noted that the increase in violence and openly racist incidents is illustrated not only by the actions of some supporters, including neo-Nazi groups, but also by the comments and behaviour of coaches of famous teams who trivialize or legitimize racist or xenophobic incidents. The Special Rapporteur considers that, in view of the gravity of some racist acts and the coverage that they were given in the media, their condemnation and the measures taken against those responsible do not reflect the seriousness of the situation. 47. In view of this increase in racist incidents, the Special Rapporteur believes it is necessary and urgent for politicians and national and international sporting bodies to take a firm stand, not only demonstrating greater commitment to, and vigilance in, the fight against racism and discrimination in sport, but also becoming more involved in awareness-raising campaigns and activities at the national and international levels in order to promote an image of interculturalism and multiracial integration at sporting events. 48. In the context of a greater mobilization of international sports bodies, the Special Rapporteur has intensified his contacts with sports bodies in order to promote cooperation and complementarity in efforts to combat racism in sport. He had an initial meeting with Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on 20 October 2004. This meeting paved the way for cooperation with the Committee in the area of information exchange. On 6 December 2004, the Special Rapporteur also had a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, with Joseph S. Blatter, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), who expressed his deep concern about the recent racist incidents in football and outlined the actions that FIFA is taking to combat racism. 49. The Special Rapporteur has noted that there have been some positive initiatives by sports federations or other organizations to combat racism in sport, such as the measures taken by FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) mentioned in his previous report to the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session (A/59/329, paras. 33-35).