CERD thematic discussion on descent-based discrimination Descent-based discrimination was proposed as a topic for a CERD thematic discussion by one of the committee members. Awareness of the issue had increased through the 2001 World Conference Against Racism (WCAR). Following the proposal, NGOs successfully lobbied the committee to take up the topic. Good NGO preparation for a thematic discussion is necessary, along with good coordination. In this case, much of the work had already been done through preparation for the WCAR; NGOs knew the main opposition arguments they would face and had time to prepare counter-arguments. NGOs knew that in the case of discrimination based on descent, it was important that they present the issue as a worldwide problem in order to secure support from committee members who were wary about taking up an issue that is generally considered to affect predominantly one region. Many national NGOs and members of affected communities attended the thematic discussion, in August 2002, to present first-hand evidence of the problem to the committee. This type of testimony is very important in persuading committee members who are ambivalent about an issue. NGOs also submitted a large amount of written information to the CERD. Taking into account the discussion, the CERD adopted General Recommendation no. XXIX later during that session. An independent evaluation of NGO work around the thematic discussion concluded that: ‘without the NGO lobbying on the issue of caste and descent-based discrimination, both in the lead-up to the World Conference on Racial Discrimination in 2001, and specifically directed at CERD, a General Recommendation would not yet have been adopted by CERD on either descent-based discrimination in general or any of its specific forms, such as “castism” or caste-based discrimination’. 26 36 The CERD has held three thematic discussions: on Roma, descent-based discrimination and non-citizens. NGOs have been highly involved in each. Unlike some other committees, thematic discussions are the only formal time when NGOs can address the CERD. The first two thematic discussions resulted in the adoption of a General Recommendation on the topic and it is possible the same will happen with the third. For information relating to CERD thematic discussions, see the annual report of the committee to the UN General Assembly, available on the OHCHR website. The CESCR holds, at each session, a day of discussion on one particular right or aspect of the Covenant. Previous topics addressed include: education, gender equality, globalization, health, human rights, intellectual property, and work. For documents relating to the CESCR discussions, see: http://www.bayefsky.com/ tree.php/id/10. NGOs have a more formal role in CRC discussions. After the CRC decides on a topic, the NGO group for the CRC requests written submissions from all interested NGOs. These written submissions are available on the CRIN website and are sent to the committee. In 2003, the CRC held its discussion day on the rights of indigenous children. Following the discussion, the committee issued recommendations to improve implementation of the Convention for indigenous children. In a number of cases, days of discussion have led to a General Comment on the topic and in the case of the discussion on children and armed conflict, to the adoption of the first Optional Protocol to the Convention. Other previous topics of discussion have included: the girl child, HIV/AIDS and violence against children. For more information on past and future days of discussion, see the OHCHR website: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/crc/doc/ discussion.htm. MINORITY RIGHTS: A GUIDE TO UNITED NATIONS PROCEDURES AND INSTITUTIONS