10/87 Report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective - Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action on its sixth session

GE.09-11566 (E) 050309

UNITED NATIONS

A

General Assembly Distr. GENERAL

A/HRC/10/87 26 February 2009

Original: ENGLISH

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Tenth session Agenda item 9

RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED FORMS OF INTOLERANCE, FOLLOW-UP TO AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DURBAN DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION

Report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action on its sixth session*

Chairman-Rapporteur: Dayan Jayatilleka (Sri Lanka) Summary

The present report contains the deliberations of the sixth session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Working Group divided its sixth session into two parts: from 11 to 22 February 2008 and one further meeting on 18 December 2008. The report includes a narrative of meetings and annexes, including the contribution of the Working Group to the Durban Review Conference.

* The sixth session of the Intergovernmental Working Group was held in two parts, from 21 January to 1 February and on 18 December 2008. The annexes are reproduced in the language of submission only.

CONTENTS

Paragraphs Page

I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 1 3

II. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION ............................................. 2 - 15 3

A. Attendance .................................................................................. 3 3

B. Opening of the session ................................................................ 4 - 6 3

C. Election of the Chairperson-Rapporteur ..................................... 7 - 11 4

D. Adoption of the agenda ............................................................... 12 5

E. Organization of work .................................................................. 13 - 15 5

III. GENERAL STATEMENTS ON THE DRAFT PROGRAMME OF WORK DURING THE FIRST PART ......................................... 16 - 28 5

IV. OVERVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS AS CONTRIBUTION TO THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF THE DURBAN REVIEW CONFERENCE ................................................................. 29 - 32 7

V. FUTURE WORK OF THE WORKING GROUP ............................. 33 - 54 8

Annexes

I. List of participants ................................................................................................ 12

II. Agenda .................................................................................................................. 13

III. Draft programme of work of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action at its sixth session ..................................................................................... 14

I. INTRODUCTION

1. The Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action submits the present report pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 1/5 and decision 3/103. The recommendations and conclusions were adopted by consensus1 as contributions to the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference, in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 3/2 and decision PC.1/10 of the Preparatory Committee.

II. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION

2. The Intergovernmental Working Group held the first part of its sixth session from 21 January to 1 February 2008. Following the opening of the session and election of the Chairperson-Rapporteur, the session was postponed to the following week. The Working Group held the second part of its sixth session on 18 December 2008. During the first part, it held a total of seven meetings; for the second part, the Working Group held one meeting.

A. Attendance

3. Both parts of the session were attended by representatives of Member States, non-Member States represented by observers, other observers, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (see annex I).

B. Opening of the session

4. At the first part of the session, the Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Unit opened the first meeting on behalf of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. At the second part, the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Working Group opened the meeting.

5. In the opening of the first meeting of the sixth session, the Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Unit welcomed Member States to the meeting on behalf of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director of Research and Right to Development Division. The Coordinator stressed that this Working Group was facing its most important challenge, its contribution to the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference as requested by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 3/2. The Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Unit addressed item 2 of the provisional agenda, regarding the election of a new Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group, and requested that delegations submit their nominations for candidates to serve in this capacity.

6. At the opening of the second part of the sixth session, the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Working Group recalled that it was not able to hold the second part of its sixth session, which had been scheduled for 3 November to 7 November 2008, due to lack of availability of full conference services. The Chairman expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of

1 See A/CONF.211/PC.2/CRP.4. The document is available on request from the Secretariat.

the Ad Hoc Committee on Complementary Standards for organizing the work of the Committee in a way that enabled the Intergovernmental Working Group to hold a meeting on 18 December 2008 in order to conclude its sixth session and adopt the report.

C. Election of the Chairperson-Rapporteur

7. Speaking on behalf of the Group of Asian States, the representative of China expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Chairperson-Rapporteur, Juan Martabit, Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations Office at Geneva, for his outstanding leadership and personal contribution to the work of the Intergovernmental Working Group. The Chinese delegate thereafter submitted as a candidate for nomination Dayan Jayatilleka, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office at Geneva. He stressed the appropriateness of Mr. Jayatilleka to serve as Chairperson-Rapporteur in light of his strong academic background, rich experience and personal integrity. The Chinese delegate referred to the expertise of Mr. Jayatilleka in the field of policymaking and his experience at the International Labour Organization. The delegate reiterated his confidence that the election of Mr. Jayatilleka would contribute to the effective implementation of the mandate of the Working Group.

8. Speaking on behalf of the Group of African States, the representative of Egypt supported the nomination of Dayan Jayatilleka for the post, stressing the ambassador’s relevant experience and appropriate expertise in the field. Like the representative of China, the representative of Egypt stated that, as Chairperson-Rapporteur, Mr. Jayatilleka would contribute to the effective implementation of the mandate of the Working Group. Considering that there was no objection to the nomination of Mr. Jayatilleka, the ambassador was declared elected by acclamation as Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group.

9. In his opening address, the Chairperson-Rapporteur expressed his appreciation to his predecessor, Juan Martabit. In so doing, he paid tribute to the work achieved by Mr. Martabit in shouldering the onerous task of the Working Group. The Chairperson-Rapporteur thanked the delegates and representatives of regional groups for nominating him and acknowledged the responsibility and importance of the mandate and work of the Working Group.

10. The Chairperson-Rapporteur asserted that it would have been morally impossible for him not to heed to the invitations of the African and Asian Groups to chair this very important Working Group. He referred to both specific and broad examples of the struggle of people of African descent towards freedom and emancipation. The Chairperson-Rapporteur stated that everyone had a responsibility to engage in the struggle against racism and its related ills, as they affect all people.

11. The Chairperson-Rapporteur elaborated further on the importance of the Intergovernmental Working Group in fulfilling its mandate and encouraged Member States to debate the issues before the Working Group extensively in order to develop appropriate and relevant contributions and recommendations to the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference. The Chairperson-Rapporteur stressed the need to identify the real and concrete issues embedded in the struggle against racism and stressed his commitment to ensuring that the goals established

under its mandate are realized effectively. The Chairperson-Rapporteur encouraged the Working Group to aim at achieving consensus through proper dialogue and discourse on the important issues relevant to accomplishing its mandate. This would constitute an important foundation for the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

D. Adoption of the agenda

12. During the first part of the session, the Working Group adopted the agenda for its sixth session (A/HRC/7/WG.3/1, see annex II).

E. Organization of work

13. During the first part of the session, the Intergovernmental Working Group approved its programme of work (annex III). The Chairperson-Rapporteur brought the attention of the Working Group to Human Rights Council decision 3/103 of 8 December 2006, in which the Council amended the mandate of the Working Group as follows: “(f) To request that the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action convene the second part of its fifth session in September 2007 and that this session mark the conclusion and closure of the Working Group’s debates and deliberations on the question of complementary standards”; and “(h) To request that the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action continue its important work of ensuring the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as mandated by the Commission on Human Rights in its resolution 2002/68 of 25 April 2002 by focusing on other critical segments of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that require immediate attention.”

14. Pursuant to the aforementioned decision, the Chairperson-Rapporteur highlighted the need to discuss the programme of work of the Working Group in light of its amended mandate. In this regard, he stressed that it was imperative to meet with all the coordinators of all of the regional groups of States as well as individual delegations in order to collect their opinions regarding the contents of the programme of work.

15. The Chairperson-Rapporteur adjourned the meeting for one week during which he held the consultations. These revealed the general trend as to the interests and preoccupations of regional groups and delegates. Following the consultations, the session, which reconvened on 28 January 2008, began with a discussion on the draft programme of work.

III. GENERAL STATEMENTS ON THE DRAFT PROGRAMME OF WORK DURING THE FIRST PART

16. The Chairperson-Rapporteur expressed his satisfaction regarding the consultations held with coordinators of regional groups of States and delegates concerning the programme of work. He also expressed his wish that delegations would reach agreement promptly on the content of the programme of work.

17. Speaking on behalf of the European Union, the representative of Slovenia stressed her group’s reservations with regard to certain aspects of the draft programme of work. The delegate held the position that the Intergovernmental Working Group should adjourn its session until the

conclusion of the work of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference. She asserted that the work being conducted within the session of the Working Group overlapped with that which is under way in the preparatory process leading to the Durban Review Conference. While expressing her appreciation to the Secretariat for the draft programme of work, she communicated her reservations regarding its contents and said that in order for the programme of work to be suitable it would need to undergo several changes.

18. The Chairperson-Rapporteur stressed that the programme of work could be adjusted once consensus was reached on its contents. However, regarding the Working Group adjourning its work until the conclusion of the work of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference in April, the Chairperson-Rapporteur asserted that it would be very difficult to do so since, in amending the mandate of the Working Group, the Human Rights Council did not provide for a postponement of its sessions. As such, the Working Group had to carry on with its work as mandated.

19. Speaking on behalf of the African Group, the representative of Egypt stressed that the suggestion concerning the adjournment by the Working Group of its session until after the April session of the Preparatory Committee gave the impression that the Working Group was not endowed with its own mandate, which was not the case. The representative stressed that even though the programme of work did not meet his group’s expectations, it was nonetheless willing to work with this programme. He added that the Working Group had work ahead of it as there remained many issues under the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action which the Working Group had yet to consider.

20. The Chairperson-Rapporteur cautioned that the Working Group should not dwell on contentious issues that would take up its already limited time. Instead, he stated, the Working Group should examine and adjust recommendations agreed upon by consensus at previous sessions with a view to compiling a contribution to the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference.

21. Speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, the representative of Brazil stressed that the work of the Working Group should concentrate on the elaboration of its contribution to the Preparatory Committee. The delegate pressed the need to highlight the prior recommendations of the Working Group as a necessary part of the Working Group’s contribution to the Preparatory Committee. The delegate stressed that it would be unwise to set aside the prior conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group as ignoring them could heighten the already tense political tension surrounding the Durban Review Conference.

22. Several delegates expressed the opinions that a renegotiation of issues already dealt with in previous sessions of the Working Group would be counterproductive to the body of consensus already achieved and seconded the calls for the Working Group to focus on issues which have achieved the widest level of consensus.

23. One representative stressed his delegation’s willingness to review the work already completed by the Working Group, not in order to alter it but to ensure that the recommendations adopted and conclusions reached are still valid. Other delegates expressed their agreement that

the work of this specific session of the Working Group would serve to contribute to the substantive session of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference in April 2008.

24. Another delegate stressed the relevance she attached to achieving consensus and stressed the importance of carrying on with the important work of the Working Group consistent with the scope of its mandate. She also mentioned her delegation’s willingness to move forward with the work, regardless of its reservations to the draft programme of work.

25. Another delegate specified that it would be advisable to follow a more pragmatic approach. She acknowledged the necessity of updating certain recommendations. In so doing, the Working Group would go through the conclusions and recommendations of previous sessions and identify which of those were most essential to be included in the contribution to the Durban Review Conference. Such a strategy would enable a more focused approach, which would be essential and very helpful towards compiling a contribution.

26. The delegate also stressed that it would be useful to conduct a thorough analysis of previous conclusions and recommendations in order to distil those that are the most appropriate to be included in the contribution. The delegate invited other Member States to adopt such an approach when dealing with item 3 of the draft programme of work, entitled “Overview of recommendations as contributions to the Durban Review Conference”.

27. Comments were made by several delegates regarding item 6 of the draft programme of work, entitled “Adoption of the report”. The delegates expressed concerns since at this juncture it would be premature to believe that consensus could be reached regarding the adoption of the report at the end of the first part of the session.

28. The amended programme of work was adopted by the Working Group on the basis of consensus. The Chairperson-Rapporteur expressed satisfaction and encouraged the Working Group to move forward in the same spirit of consensus, particularly in light of the work that lay ahead in the second part of the session.

IV. OVERVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS AS CONTRIBUTION TO THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF THE DURBAN REVIEW CONFERENCE

29. Consistent with its agenda and programme of work, the Intergovernmental Working Group proceeded to examine item 3 entitled “Overview of recommendations as part of contribution to the Durban Review Conference”. This item of the agenda and programme of work was in accordance with decision PC.1/10 of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference contained in the report of the Preparatory Committee on its first session (A/62/375) and with Human Rights Council resolution 3/2 of 8 December 2006, in which the Council requested that the Working Group and other mechanisms to “assist the Preparatory Committee by undertaking review and submitting recommendations, through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as contributions to the outcome of the Review Conference”. The preparation of the contribution of the Working Group was undertaken on the

basis of a document entitled “Compilations of conclusions and recommendations” containing the recommendations and conclusions adopted by consensus through the five sessions of the Working Group.

30. The Working Group agreed not to engage in a process of renegotiation of the conclusions and recommendations, but instead decided that some of the recommendations adopted at its previous sessions might need to be omitted from the contribution to the Preparatory Committee. To facilitate the work, the Secretariat italicized some of the recommendations which have become obsolete and/or would not be relevant for the work of the Preparatory Committee.

31. The Chairperson-Rapporteur opened the discussion on the review of previous recommendations starting with the recommendations adopted at the first session of the Working Group (2003) through those adopted at its fifth session (2007). The Working Group decided that any reference to the question of complementary standards would be removed from the final document of conclusions and recommendations to be submitted to the Preparatory Committee f, as the Human Rights Council in its decision 3/103 stipulated that the fifth session of the Working Group should “mark the conclusion and closure of the Working Group’s debates and deliberations on the question of complementary standards”. The same decision provided for the establishment of an “Ad Hoc Committee of the Human Rights Council on the Elaboration of Complementary Standards, with the mandate to elaborate, as a matter of priority and necessity, complementary standards in the form of either a convention or additional protocol(s) to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, filling the existing gaps in the Convention and also providing new normative standards aimed at combating all forms of contemporary racism, including incitement to racial and religious hatred.”

32. The review resulted in the compilation of recommendations and conclusions from the five previous sessions of the Working Group. The recommendations and conclusions contained in the compilation, which is to be submitted to the Preparatory Committee, have been either updated, deleted or italicized to indicate their non-relevance as part of the contribution, either because the recommendation has been implemented or had become obsolete. The contribution of the Working Group to the Preparatory Committee is contained in the document entitled “Compilation of conclusions and recommendations adopted by the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.”

V. FUTURE WORK OF THE WORKING GROUP

33. Speaking on behalf of the African Group, the representative of Egypt suggested a list of five themes, which either had not been examined or exhausted yet by the Working Group and were contained in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The delegate considered that an analysis by the Working Group of the five themes would contribute to the Durban Review process and the fulfilment by the Working Group of its mandate. The suggested themes are: (a) effective remedies, recourse, redress, compensatory and other measures at the national, regional and international levels to victims of human rights violations resulting from racism; (b) incitement to racial and/or religious hatred; (c) racial profiling; (d) restoration of human dignity; (e) racism and refugees, migrants, asylum-seekers.

34. Speaking on behalf of the European Union, the representative of Slovenia asserted that the discussion on the future work of the Intergovernmental Working Group should take place after

April 2008, once the Durban Review Conference was held, or at least once the substantive session of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference was held. According to this delegation, it was unwise to set the agenda yet for the next session of this Working Group.

35. Speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, the representative of Brazil considered that the work of the Intergovernmental Working Group, should concentrate mostly in the elaboration of contributions and inputs to the preparatory process of the Durban Review Conference, as it was established by the Preparatory Committee in its first session. In its analysis and decision on the contributions/inputs to the preparatory process, the Intergovernmental Working Group should start from the work done and the results achieved to date, without excluding the possibility of debating any issue related to the follow-up of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The delegate expressed the hope that the present process would contribute to consensus and invited all the delegations and regional groups to participate in the discussions in a constructive spirit.

36. One representative highlighted the fact that the concrete results of the Working Group and the Durban Review process were very much connected to a consensual and truly constructive approach and participation. He further stated that his delegation would continue to dedicate full attention to this Intergovernmental Working Group and underlined the importance of active, constructive participation and a consensual approach in discharging its mandate.

37. The Chairperson-Rapporteur encouraged all delegations to follow this moderate approach.

38. Another delegate expressed the view that his initial vision was for this Intergovernmental Working Group to play a leading role in the preparation of the Durban Review Conference. He indicated that his delegation remained flexible whilst focused on the primary objective, which was to prepare the conference. He raised the point that, if the second part of the sixth session of the Intergovernmental Working Group was to be meaningful, some agreement had to be reached as to the themes to be discussed at that time.

39. The Chairperson-Rapporteur highlighted the convergence of views on a conservative and moderate approach and urged delegations to stay on board. He pointed out that the reaching of consensus would be less likely should the themes chosen for the next session include areas that were contentious. Without venturing too far, we could, he stated, remain open to new themes so long as they were included in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. He stated that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance were issues that should be discussed all the time in light of the moral and historical imperatives attached to them. Hence, he questioned the resistance to discussing the themes in many forums within the United Nations. The Chairperson guaranteed that no new issue falling outside of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action would be discussed at the next session of the Intergovernmental Working Group. In this regard, he reminded delegations of the usefulness of the glossary of the Declaration and Programme of Action, which had been circulated for ease of reference.

40. One representative indicated that since so many themes under Durban had not been explored, he encouraged delegations to ensure that the Intergovernmental Working Group resumed its work and fulfilled its mandate.

41. Another delegate questioned why the mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group was being discussed since it was well established and defined by its supervisory body, the Human Rights Council.

42. The representative of the European Union reiterated that the position of the European Union had been made very clear since the beginning. The position was that the European Union was not in a position to agree on any new items for future work. While the European Union did not wish to block any future discussion, it could not participate in reaching conclusions and recommendations by consensus on the future work of the Intergovernmental Working Group.

43. One representative recommended maintaining a holistic approach with regard to the future work of the Intergovernmental Working Group.

44. In reiterating the position of his group, the representative of the African Group underscored that the Intergovernmental Working Group was not a subsidiary body of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference. Therefore, there was no reason for it to await the outcome of the substantive session of the Preparatory Committee to continue its work.

45. One representative expressed dismay that the positions expressed by the European Union seemed to contradict both the consensus taken at the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee as well as its organizational session (held from 27 to 31 August 2007) of which the European Union was part. The delegate also highlighted the fact that work undertaken after 2001 within the context of the follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was carried out at the level of ambassadors in Geneva and within the context of the Intergovernmental Working Group.

46. The delegate further recalled that some of the critical themes contained in the Declaration and Programme of Action such as “historical injustices” were themes that emanated from the Ministerial Segment during the 2001 Durban Conference, in which all delegations taking part in the Intergovernmental Working Group were represented at the ministerial level. The delegate further suggested that the Chairperson should approach the political heads of delegations represented in the Intergovernmental Working Group to deal with some of the sensitive issues at the level of his counterparts.

47. As an observer delegation, the representative of the African Union asserted that it was important that States of Africa and the European Union work together to achieve their common aims within not only the framework of the Intergovernmental Working Group, but of the entire human rights system. He submitted that the two sides participated in a constructive summit-level meeting in Lisbon recently and that they agreed in their declaration, among other things, to “address the common contemporary challenges for our two continents”. They also decided to establish a strategic partnership underpinned by the Joint Strategy and Action Plan to strengthen inter alia their cooperation in achieving objectives in various areas of endeavours, including human rights and good governance.

48. The representative of the African Union believed that issues being discussed in this forum were central if not critical to the realization of good governance and the achievement of the global objectives of all human rights principles. He asserted that combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance was at the heart of many international human rights covenants, instruments and processes.

49. The representative also noted that all Member States of the United Nations had committed themselves to combating these scourges. Those representing their Governments at this forum were also conscious of this fact. Therefore, failure to achieve consensus on the future work of this session of the Intergovernmental Working Group, and its substantive work would send the wrong signal to the outside world where incidents of racism and intolerance manifested themselves in increasing numbers and in more sophisticated forms.

50. Following consultations with the representatives of the regional groups of States, the Chairperson-Rapporteur announced that agreement had been reached as to the following: (a) discussions on the future work of the Intergovernmental Working Group will proceed, but that the representative of the European Union will exercise the right not to contribute to the discussion, the European Union will be an active listener; (b) the record of the discussion will be included in the report of the Intergovernmental Working Group; (c) the conclusions and recommendations agreed on by consensus) entitled “Compilations of conclusions and recommendations” would be the only conclusions and recommendations adopted and they would be submitted to the Preparatory Committee.

51. One representative sought clarification as to whether, in the future sessions of the Intergovernmental Working Group, the European Union intended to maintain the position adopted of non-participation in discussions connected to the future work of the Group. The representative of the European Union was not in a position to fully answer this question at this stage.

52. The Chairperson-Rapporteur announced that the scheduling of the second part of the sixth session of the Working Group and the themes to be examined will be agreed upon through informal consultations. On 6 November 2008, the Working Group held consultations with the regional coordinators to discuss the programme of work for the second part of the sixth session. Subsequently a draft programme of work (annex III) was agreed upon.

53. The Intergovernmental Working Group could not formally adopt the draft programme of work for the second part of its sixth session and discuss the content of the draft programme of work, owing to the non-availability of full conference services. Therefore, it concluded its sixth session with a meeting on 18 December 2008.

54. On 18 December, the Working Group adopted the draft report on its sixth session ad referendum.

ANNEXES

Annex I

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

States Members of the United Nations

Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Non-Member States represented by observers

Holy See

Other observer

Palestine

Intergovernmental organizations

African Union, European Commission, Council of the European Union, League of Arab States, Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council

Action internationale pour la paix et le développement dans la région des Grands Lacs, Association World Citizens, Caritas Internationalis, Center for Interethnic Cooperation, Commission africaine de promotions de la santé des droits de l’homme, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN), Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples (MRAP), UN Watch, World Jewish Congress.

Non-governmental organizations not in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council

Afro Swedish National Association

Annex II

AGENDA

1. Opening of the session

2. Election of the Chairperson-Rapporteur

3. Adoption of the agenda

4. Organization of work

5. Recommendations for future work

Annex III

DRAFT PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DURBAN DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION AT ITS SIXTH SESSION

(Geneva, 21 January to 1 February 2008) Amended draft programme of work of the second week

Timea Monday 28 January 2008

Tuesday 29 January 2008

Wednesday 30 January 2008

Thursday 31 January 2008

Friday 1 February 2008

Morning

No meeting Item 1

Reconvening of the session

Item 2

Organization of work

Item 3

Overview of recommendations as contribution to the Durban Review Conference

Recommendations adopted at second session

(26 January- 6 February 2003) (a) Racism and education (b) Racism and poverty

Item 3 (continued) Recommendations adopted at the fifth session (first part 5 to 9 March 2007) The role of national plans of action in combating racism

Item 4

Discussion on the future work of the Working Group

Item 5

Conclusions and recommendations of the session

Afternoon

No meeting Item 3 (continued) Recommendations adopted at third session (11-22 October 2003) (a) Racism and health (b) Racism and the Internet

Item 3 (continued) Recommendations adopted at fourth session, (16-27 January 2006) High level seminar on:

(a) Racism and the Internet

(b) Racism and globalization

Item 3 (continued)

No meeting

Item 6

Adoption of report

a Meeting hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the morning and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the

afternoon.

Draft Programme of Work (second part)b Time Monday

3 November 2008 Tuesday

4 November 2008 Wednesday

5 November 2008 Thursday

6 November 2008 Friday

7 November 2008 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Room XXI

Item 1

Reconvening of the session

Item 2

Organization of work

Item 3 (continued) Overview on implementation of IGWG recommendations and identification of good practices:

“Racism and health”

Item 3 (continued) Overview on implementation of IGWG recommendations and identification of good practices:

“Racism and globalization”

Item 4

Recommendations for future work

Item 5

Adoption of recommendations

Item 3

Overview on implementation of IGWG recommendations and identification of good practices:

“Racism and education”

3-6 p.m.

Room XXI

Item 3 (continued) Overview on implementation of IGWG recommendations and identification of good practices:

“Racism and poverty”

Item 3 (continued) Overview on implementation of IGWG recommendations and identification of good practices:

“Racism and the Internet”

Item 3 (continued) Overview on implementation of IGWG recommendations and identification of good practices

“Racism and National Plans”

Item 4 (continued) Recommendations for future work

Item 5 (continued) Adoption of recommendations

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b The Working Group could not adopt the draft programme of work on the second part of

its sixth session due to non-availability of full conference services for the meetings that were scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 November 2008.