A/HRC/17/40 the Government of Portugal and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). On 15 June 2010, he addressed the issue of racism and conflict in a joint press release concerning ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan. On 30 June 2010, he participated for the first time in the session on xenophobia organized within the framework of the annual consultations of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees with non-governmental organizations in Geneva. On 18 October 2010, he delivered a statement at the thematic discussion on “Structural discrimination: definitions, approaches and trends” during the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 74. In the context of the International Year for People of African Descent, the Special Rapporteur contributed in writing to the thematic discussion on “Racial discrimination against People of African Descent” held by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Geneva on 7 March 2011. In addition, on 29 March 2011, he delivered a statement at the tenth session of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent. 75. The Special Rapporteur has also submitted written contributions to the following meetings: the seminar on data collection and the use of indicators to promote and monitor racial equality and non-discrimination held by OHCHR in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 5 May 2010; the seminar on the fight against discrimination based on racial, ethnic, religious, or other bias held by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance in Ankara on 10 and 11 January 2011; and the expert workshops on the prohibition of incitement to national, racial or religious hatred, held by OHCHR in Vienna on 9 to 10 February 2011 and in Nairobi on 6 and 7 April 2011. V. Conclusions and recommendations Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against Roma 76. The Special Rapporteur takes note of efforts undertaken to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against Roma. However, while positive developments and good practices have been identified, both at the regional and national levels, they have been insufficient. Indeed, important challenges remain that reveal grave and deep-rooted problems of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against Roma that need to be addressed in the most vigorous manner. 77. To this end, it is essential that States develop a comprehensive approach based on stronger legal, political and institutional measures that would: (a) take into account the structural dimension of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance against Roma; (b) duly consider the interrelation between the racism and racial discrimination they suffer and their socio-economic marginalization and political exclusion; and (c) pay due attention to the situation of the most vulnerable Roma. In this regard the necessary legislative measures should be adopted and complemented by key measures such as: (a) affirmative actions to redress historical inequalities; (b) human rights training of State agents; and (c) educational and awareness-raising measures to foster mutual understanding, respect and tolerance. States should bear in mind that efficiency could be achieved and progress realized only with appropriate implementation of the measures adopted for Roma, effective participation of Roma, and due cooperation with civil society, and international and regional mechanisms. States are also encouraged to share good practices that have 19