Updated study by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Doudou Diène.

UNITED NATIONS
A/HRC/5/10
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Fifth session

25 May 2007

The current resurgence of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance represents a major threat not only to the rights of the victims but also to the development of democracy and social cohesion. This threat has attained new and alarming heights in the context of the current global “war on terror”, as a result of intellectual legitimization of racist and xenophobic ideas via public discourse, and the translation into public policies by mainstream political parties of perspectives that were formally promoted by far-right political movements. See full text, pdf format.

CONTENTS:

Introduction

I. GENERAL ISSUES ON THE INCOMPATIBILITY BETWEEN DEMOCRACY AND RACISM

II. REGIONAL CONTEXTS AND CHARACTERISTICS
A. Europe
B. Asia
C. Africa
D. South America
E. The Middle East
F. North America

III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS