A/HRC/11/36/Add.3 page 12 F. Measures to prevent discrimination in the aftermath of the events of 11 September 2001 36. Many officials have noted symbolic and concrete actions taken to prevent discrimination against people of Arab and Muslim descent in the aftermath of 9/11, starting with the remarks made by President Bush during a visit to the Islamic Center on 17 September 2001.13 These community outreach efforts were described as a best practice in the fight against terrorism by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism in his report on the United States.14 37. The Special Rapporteur was briefed on the Initiative to Combat Post 9/11 Discriminatory Backlash, designed by the Department of Justice to combat violations of civil rights against Arab, Muslim, Sikh and South-Asian Americans.15 Key strategies within this programme include measures to ensure that cases of discrimination are reported and handled promptly, identifying policies that might involve bias crimes and discrimination and reaching out to affected communities to inform them of existing mechanisms. Two special positions were created at the Civil Rights Division: a Special Counsel for Post 9/11 National Origin Discrimination and a Special Counsel for Religious Discrimination. 38. Experts from the Department of Homeland Security also highlighted some initiatives developed after 9/11 to prevent discrimination against people of Arab and Muslim descent. Reference was made to the Guidance Regarding the Use of Race by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, in particular its provision that “in investigating or preventing threats to national security or other catastrophic events […] Federal law enforcement officers may not consider race or ethnicity except to the extent permitted by the Constitution and laws of the United States”. The Special Rapporteur was also informed of the Traveller Redress Inquiry Program, which allows the public to clarify problems of misidentifications with individuals placed on watch lists.16 G. Measures taken in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 39. Since the Special Rapporteur received allegations concerning possible racial bias in reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he raised the issue with several Government authorities in order to collect additional information from some of the federal agencies and visited affected areas. 13 President Bush stated that “Islam is peace. […] When we think of Islam we think of a faith that brings comfort to a billion people around the world. […] Women who cover their heads in this country must feel comfortable going outside their homes”. http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ legalinfo/bushremarks.php. 14 See A/HRC/6/17/Add.3. 15 http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/legalinfo/nordwg_mission.php. 16 http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/gc_1169676919316.shtm.