29/54 Group of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action - Note by the Secretariat

GE.15-09770 (E)

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Human Rights Council Twenty-ninth 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

Group of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action*

Note by the Secretariat

In paragraphs 12 and 13 of its resolution 69/162, the General Assembly reiterated its

requests to the Secretary-General, pursuant to its resolution 68/151, to revitalize and

reactivate the operational activities of the group of independent eminent experts on the

implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and reiterated its

invitation to the Human Rights Council, pursuant to paragraph 16 of Assembly resolution

68/151, to ensure the visibility, effective participation and optimal utilization of the vast

knowledge and experience of the group of independent eminent experts within its

subsidiary structures, charged with the mandate of and responsibility for the comprehensive

follow-up to the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and

Related Intolerance and the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and

Programme of Action, and in this regard requested the Council to submit a progress report

to the Assembly at its seventieth session.

In this context, the Secretariat hereby informs the Human Rights Council of the

latest developments with regard to the group of independent eminent experts since its third

meeting, held on 4 February 2014.

At the third meeting of the group of independent eminent experts, Salim Ahmed

Salim alluded to his withdrawal from the group to allow for the appointment of another

person able to devote the time required to the work (A/HRC/26/56, para. 10). To date, the

Secretariat has not received any news to that effect, and continues to send him information

and requests regarding the work of the group.

* Late submission.

In his letter to the Secretary-General dated 8 April 2015, Prince El Hassan bin Talal

resigned as independent eminent expert on the implementation of the Durban Declaration

and Programme of Action.

The fourth meeting of the group of the independent eminent experts was held on 28

April 2015, in Geneva, with the participation of Hanna Suchocka and Edna Maria Santos

Roland. During the meeting, the eminent experts discussed the possibility of and need for a

number of arrangements in the future regarding the definition of the group’s mandate, the

appointment of new members and additional resources. The two experts decided to convey

promptly their views to the Secretary-General.