A/65/295 competition and rivalry, sport also stands for human values such as respect, justice, universality, cooperation and solidarity. By bringing together individuals from a great variety of horizons, sport is an inspirational means to promote peace, social cohesion, integration, inclusivity, as well as diversity. 60. Referring to Human Rights Council resolution 13/27 on a world of sports free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Special Rapporteur underlined the potential of sport as a means to combat racism and discrimination. Similarly to schools, which are one of the most efficient tools to create a cohesive and tolerant society, he stated that sport was also an effective means for both youth and adults to learn and experience for themselves how individuals from diverse ethnic, national or religious backgrounds can interact in a harmonious manner. 61. On a wider scale, the Special Rapporteur recalled that mass sports events offer valuable outreach platforms to mobilize people and convey crucial messages about equality and non-discrimination. In that regard, he referred to the charters or statutes of the International Olympic Committee, the Fédération internationale de football association and the Commonwealth Games Federation, which all include the principle of non-discrimination. 62. Nonetheless, the Special Rapporteur emphasized that sport cannot constitute a cure-all for racism and discrimination. As a reflection of the society from which it originates, sport also has its shortcomings and contradictions. In that regard, he referred to the negative side effects of sport, such as violence, discrimination and aggressive nationalism, and pointed out specific examples of racism and racial discrimination that had occurred within the world of sports. 63. The Special Rapporteur stated that the fight against racism was as relevant at the present time as it had ever been in the past, and highlighted that it was necessary to ensure that every single tool was used to fight this scourge, including mass sport events, and to demonstrate and convince everyone that integration, tolerance, mutual respect and diversity were real assets that may lead a team to victory. III. Country visits by the Special Rapporteur 64. Country visits constitute an important opportunity for the Special Rapporteur to gather, request, receive and exchange information and communications with all relevant sources, on all issues and alleged violations falling within the purview of his mandate, and to investigate and make concrete recommendations, to be implemented at the national, regional and international levels, with a view to preventing and eliminating all forms and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in accordance with the mandate entrusted to him by the Human Rights Council in resolution 7/34. 65. Following his appointment in August 2008, the Special Rapporteur sent formal requests to visit Bangladesh, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, the Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. Since his appointment, the Special Rapporteur has been able to undertake country visits to Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. He would like to acknowledge the letters of invitation extended to him by Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. While he has not 10-48481 15