A/HRC/54/71
Discrimination in Schools, and revised curricula to recognize the history of colonialism and
slavery. The country is actively commemorating the International Decade for People of
African Descent and has expedited amendments to the Penal Code to prevent hate speech and
hate crimes. Additionally, Portugal is engaging in extensive training for public officials and
justice professionals to raise awareness about the prohibition of racial discrimination. They
have also created new protocols to ensure free legal aid and established an Agency for
Integration, Migration, and Asylum to improve immigration and asylum processing and
enhance the integration of migrants.
13.
Spain highlighted the legislative measures in place, such as the comprehensive law
for equality and non-discrimination, as well as ongoing efforts to address intersecting forms
of discrimination. It emphasized the prohibition of identity checks based on racial or ethnic
profiling, the establishment of national offices to combat hate crimes and protect human
rights, and the allocation of resources to fight racial discrimination. Additionally, it
underscores the importance of awareness campaigns and dialogue with African and Afro
Descendant communities to promote inclusivity and understanding. Overall, the text
emphasizes Spain’s dedication to addressing racism and fostering a more equitable society.
14.
Switzerland stressed government’s efforts in implementing recommendations made
by international bodies, particularly those related to people of African descent. Switzerland
acknowledges the existence of racism, highlights ongoing initiatives to combat it, and
addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by federalism in addressing
discrimination. It also mentions steps taken to regulate online hate speech and the
government’s response to recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination and the Universal Periodic Review.
15.
Trinidad and Tobago notes the various initiatives of the Ministry of Sport and
Community Development (MSCD) to address the concerns and promote the well-being of
people of African descent. Some of these initiatives include participating in the Community
Recovery Committee, relaunching the MpowerTT program for young males’ development,
supporting the republication of a booklet on African heritage sites, commemorating Nelson
Mandela’s life and work, providing financial assistance to organizations promoting African
heritage awareness, and supporting Emancipation Day celebrations. Through these efforts,
the MSCD aims to empower and uplift people of African descent and raise awareness of their
history and contributions while addressing social issues affecting their communities.
16.
Qatar notes it has implemented several initiatives to combat human trafficking and
protect migrant workers’ rights. They published a guide on forced labour and human
trafficking, established communication channels to report cases, and signed memorandums
with organizations to aid trafficking victims. Educational activities and training sessions were
organized by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking in collaboration with
institutions and embassies. Qatar is leading the Gulf-Africa Dialogue on Labour Migration,
aiming to improve cooperation and promote fair work for expatriate workers. Partnerships
with Msheireb Real Estate Museums have led to cultural programs raising awareness about
trafficking and historical slavery. These efforts demonstrate Qatar’s commitment to
combating human trafficking, protecting human rights, and fostering international
cooperation and awareness.
17.
European Anti-Poverty Network provided highlights of its Portugal project addressing
migration and integration challenges for people of African descent. The project includes
“Opportunities’’ and the “Local Immigrant Council.” The recommendations emphasize
meaningful participation of migrants, a holistic approach to migration issues, and promoting
equal treatment. Specific thematic recommendations cover combating racism in the legal
framework, inclusive education, and equal opportunities in the job market.
18.
The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana, a good
practice established to serve Guyana as the country coordinating mechanism for the decade
and an umbrella organization with a network of 67 member organizations in remote and urban
communities, that works through advocacy and programmes, informed that the
recommendations of the Working Group following its country visit to Guyana had not been
effectively implemented. They noted the need for the Government to highlight historic
24
GE.23-15301