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[GENEVA, 26 June 2006] - When the Council reconvened, at 3pm, Ambassador Juan Martabit (Chile), chairman and rapporteur of the intergovernmental working group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, presented the report of the 4th session (E/CN.4/2006/18) on the working group, held on 16-27 January 2006. Work of the Working Group The intergovernmental working group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was established by Commission on Human Rights resolution 2002/68 in July 2002. It is one of the three mechanisms established to follow up the Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. Its mandate "make recommendations with a view to the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action" and "prepare complementary international standards to strengthen and update international instruments against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all their aspects". Ambassador Martabit reminded the Council that racism and discrimination remained one of the main threats to the respect for human rights today. He quotes Louise Arbour's inaugural speech: "PresidentRoosevelt's four freedoms – freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of expression and freedom of worship – challenged us to promote liberty though democracy, justice and an equitable distribution of resources, and to create an environment tolerant of dissent and difference, enhancing opportunities for all to live a life with dignity". Racism and xenophobia, he said, exacerbates cultural stereotypes, intolerance and discrimination. But a consensus has now been reached that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is most appropriate and practical framework for setting up international standards on the elimination of racial discrimination. Don Juan Martabit added that Council members should ensure coherence and consistency in dealing with this issue, along with the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discriminatione and other mechanisms. He also urged the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to assist the Working Group notably in starting a campaign for universal ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Quoting Mary Robinson, former High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Martabit reminded the Council that the Durban framework is only a beginning. Indeed, the best instruments are only valuable in theiy are put to use, hence the Working Group must take appropriate measures for the effective implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action. The 4th session of the Working Group considered two main issues: racism and the internet and racism and globalisation. The Working Group issued a series of recommendations, namely: Discussion Statements by members A discussion on the above mentioned report ensued with statements from the following Council members: Cuba, Urrugay, China, Morocco, Argentina (GRULAC), Brazil, Mexico, Algeria, Austria (EU group), Switzerland, South Africa, Russia, Poland, Pakistan (OIC - Organisation of Ismaic Conference), Senegal, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Senegal. Most members expressed their support for the adoption of the report of the Working Group's 4th session, for the prolongation of the work of the Working Group, and for the appointment of five experts for following up on the work of the Working Group. The government of Brazil announced that it would be hosting a regional conference on progress on implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Actionin the region next July. Statements by non-members US, Iran Statements by NGOs Joint statement by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and the International Youth and Student Movement for the UN. They called on Council members to hold a special segment on the implementation of the Durban agreement at its next session in September. The Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l'amitie des peuples also made a statement. Response from Ambassador Martabit Reminded those present that progress depended not only on the establishment of suitable international standards and mechanisms, but also on States' willingness to implement them through their specific National Plans of action. Ambassador Martabit emphasised and welcomed the increased participation of members states in the Working Group. Now the main step forward is for the High Commissioner to appoint 5 experts who must be of the utmnost competence and expertise.