Third Committee, 37th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session
General Assembly
Date: 2 November 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c3/81/37
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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3rd Committee · Chair [0:01]:

Good morning, colleagues. The 37th meeting of the Third Committee at the 81st session of the General Assembly is called to order. I invite the committee to resume its joint consideration of agenda item 68, entitled "Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance," and its sub-items A and B, and agenda item 69, entitled "Right of peoples to self-determination." The documentation under agenda item 68 and its sub-items A and B, and under item 69 is listed on iGov. I wish to remind delegations that the deadline for submission of draft proposals under items 68 and 69 is on Wednesday, 4th November, at 6:00 PM. I also wish to remind delegations that the deadline for submission of draft proposals under item 70, Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, and its sub-items A to D, is tomorrow, November 3rd, at 1:00 PM. This morning, we will first hear an introductory statement by the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights, followed by an interactive dialogue. The Committee will then hear a combined briefing by the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, followed by a combined interactive dialogue with both presenters. I would like to welcome the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio. Participants wishing to make comments and pose questions to the speaker are invited to press their microphone button within the next three minutes, after which the list will be closed. The time limit for each speaker will be announced before the floor is given to the first speaker. I thank you for your cooperation. I now invite the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio, to make an introductory statement. Ms. Fuentes Julio, you have the floor.


OHCHR · ASG Human Rights [2:08]:

Thank you, Chair. Good morning to everyone, distinguished delegates. I'm pleased to be with you once again to present four reports of the Secretary General under agenda item 68 on the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and 69 on the rights of peoples to self-determination. Under agenda item 68, I have the honor to present the Secretary General's report on the program of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent. Prepared pursuant to Assembly Resolution 69/16 and 79/183. The report outlines strategies and actions at the international, regional, national, and local levels to advance the human rights of people of African descent and implement the program of activities during the second International Decade for People of African Descent. The report also examines progress and challenges in realizing the right to health for people of African descent, including systemic racism, health systems, maternal and mental health disparities, and intergenerational trauma. It draws on submissions from states, the United Nations system, and civil society in response to a call for inputs by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as information and analysis from United Nations and regional human rights bodies. Its recommendations call on states to move beyond symbolic recognition and adopt concrete, adequately funded measures to achieve the goals of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, focusing particularly on eliminating systemic racism in healthcare and improving health outcomes for people of African descent. The Secretary General's report on the global call for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and the comprehensive implementation of the follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, mandated by Assembly Resolution 80/193, is based primarily on submissions received and United Nations reporting. It outlines measures taken by states and other stakeholders to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and to fully implement and follow up on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It calls for implementing recommendations from previous reports, embedding anti-racism in legislation and policy making, strengthening national statistic offices, national human rights institutions, and other relevant entities to improve the collection and use of the disaggregated data, integrating anti-racism measures into sustainable development, humanitarian and peace and security efforts, adopting an intersectional framework to combat racism, and pursuing reparatory justice as essential to dismantling systemic racism. The note by the Secretariat on the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent against excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers through transformative change for justice and equality, mandated by the Human Rights Council Resolution 47/21, transmits the High Commissioner's report to the Council. The report outlines developments and initiatives by states and others to protect and promote the rights of Africans and people of African descent, address systemic racism, including in law enforcement, and advance accountability and redress for victims, including for the legacies of enslavement, the trade in enslaved Africans, and colonialism. The High Commissioner concludes that despite some positive steps, persistent human rights concerns across all areas of life and rollbacks in some countries threaten decades of hard-won progress. He calls for a more substantial paradigm shift and deliberate investment in racial justice and equality, urging states to fulfill their obligation to eliminate racial discrimination against Africans and people of African descent in all areas of life. Turning to agenda item 69, the Secretary General's report on the right of peoples to self-determination, which was mandated by Assembly Resolution 80/196, provides a summary of the main developments related to the realization of the right to self-determination within the framework of the activities of the principal organ of the United Nations since the submission of the previous reporting, demonstrating the engagement of the United Nations system in the realization of the right of peoples to self-determination. The Secretary-General affirmed that the right of peoples to self-determination enshrined in Article 1 2 of the United Nations Charter and common article 1 of the two international covenants enable all peoples to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. During the reporting period, United Nations organs and human rights mechanisms Address its implementation through resolutions, treaty body procedures, and an international court of justice advisory opinion concerning support for the Palestinian people's self-determination. The continued attention to the rights of people to self-determinations by the principal and subsidiary organs of the United Nations and by several international human rights mechanisms during the reporting period underscore the rights' central importance to the enjoyment of other human rights, peace, and sustainable development. The Secretary General calls upon all states to enable the enjoyment of this right in all contexts. and thereby to further the basic purposes of the United Nations. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [8:11]:

Thank you very much, ASG. I will now open the floor for questions or comments to the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights. As per past practice, I would ask the delegations to limit their comments to 2.5 minutes. I thank you for your kind cooperation. I now give the floor to the representative of the European Union, to be followed by the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. EU, you have the floor.


EU [8:36]:

Thank you, Chair. The European Union thanks the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights, Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio, for presenting the Secretary General's reports. The EU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. We recall the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a blueprint setting out concrete measures for eradicating racism globally. This is fully consistent with our resolute fight against antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination, violence based on religion or belief. The EU lives up to this commitment by taking part and engaging constructively on all anti-racism mechanisms of the HRC. We supported both the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on racism and of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The EU remains actively engaged in all anti-racism mechanisms. We have, however, noticed a sharp decline in participation of the larger membership, which may be linked to the proliferation of mechanisms. We would therefore encourage a discussion on enhancing the effectiveness of numerous mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of the DDPA. We would also like to reiterate that reaching consensus on the issue of reparatory justice remains essential, and that the DDPA offers a clear framework on where discussions are anchored. The EU also welcomed the report from EMLAR on systemic racism in the enforcement of drug laws and policies. We are addressing related challenges through EU anti-racism strategy 2026-2030, with a focus on the enforcement of anti-discrimination law, addressing discriminatory profiling and racial bias, and ensuring the meaningful participation of people of African descent and civil society in shaping policies that affect them. The EU remains committed to continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders in the fight against structural racism and discrimination. Madam Assistant Secretary General, what measures could States take to strengthen the participation of young people in shaping policies that affect them, including in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance? I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [10:52]:

I thank the representative of the European Union. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [11:00]:

Madam Chair, we are tracking very carefully the work being done by ASG Human Rights, Ms. Fuentes Julio. We've been consistently sending her verified accounts of violations of Russian speakers abroad, including in Ukraine, where there's an aggressive Russophobic policy being pursued against Ukrainians, which has resulted in a number of Ukrainian regions separating themselves from the country as their people exercise their right to self-determination. In light of this, we were astonished that the report dedicated to self-determination, to see the report contain complementary assessments regarding the Ukrainian law on indigenous peoples. In fact, this law introduces unequal political and legal status for various ethnic groups. What's defined as ethnic groups in the law are groups which do not have a separate state entity outside Ukraine. This creates significant conflict potential because the document discriminates against millions of Russians, Belarusians, Moldovans, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Romanians, Greeks, Jews, and representatives of other groups which have historically resided on the territory of what is today Ukraine. Also, recently, a bill was signed into law by Vladimir Zelensky regarding the educational rights of national minorities. This strengthens protections for the rights of these minorities using their languages in schools. This is nothing but selective discrimination on the basis of language. These new norms cover solely official EU languages and the indigenous, spoken by indigenous peoples in Ukraine. It's hard to believe that Russian, which is a native language for millions of Ukrainians is not covered. Thus, we would like to ask Ms. Quintas Fulio what steps are being taken by OHCHR to track the status of the Russian speakers in Ukraine and what is being done to fix this very difficult situation in which these Russian speakers find themselves. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [12:54]:

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. I give the floor to the representative of Brazil, to be followed by Islamic Republic of Iran and Tunisia. Brazil, you have the floor.


Brazil [13:05]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Brazil thanks the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio, for her briefing. As this is the first time a delegation addresses Ms. Fuentes in the Third Committee, we would like to express our appreciation for her leadership of the United Nations Human Rights Office since June. We deeply value the work carried out by the Office and its efforts to integrate human rights across the broader processes and deliberations taking place in New York. While reaffirming that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated, Brazil considers the mainstreaming of human rights throughout the work of the United Nations to be a fundamental aspect of the Office's mandate. In the dialogue we have today, we also underscore that the right to self-determination remains central to the enjoyment of all human rights. Obstacles to the exercise of that right are too often linked to racist doctrines and practices that continue to deny individuals and peoples their inherent dignity and equality. In this regard, we note with concern the warning issued by the High Commissioner for Human Rights that progress in combating racial discrimination is being challenged, delayed, and in some cases reversed by forces that thrive on division and polarization. We welcome the growing attention paid by human rights mechanisms to the digital dimensions of racism, including online hate speech, algorithmic bias, and the need for disaggregated data and stronger monitoring system. Brazil is equally concerned about the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation on human rights, as highlighted by the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. We recognize that the disproportionate impacts of climate change on people of African descent, indigenous peoples, on children, rural communities, women, migrants, persons with disabilities, and others in vulnerable situations. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [15:07]:

I thank the representative of Brazil. I give the floor next to the representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [15:15]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran takes note of the report of the Secretary-General. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering and resolute support for the Palestinian people in the pursuit of the full realization of their right to self-determination. Nearly eight decades of appeasement of the occupying regime have failed to bring about peace. Instead, they have emboldened its expansionist policies, including the occupation and annexation of the Palestinian territories and the establishment of illegal settlements. The occupying regime must be held accountable for its widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including war crimes, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and policies of apartheid. Impunity must not, under any circumstances, be allowed to obstruct the pursuit of justice and accountability. These outrageous human rights violations must be brought to an end. The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly believes that lasting peace and security in the region can only be achieved through the full realization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and establishment of an independent and sovereign state based on the free, and genuine will of the original inhabitants of Palestine, irrespective of their religion. In this regard, Iran has submitted its proposal, contained in document S/2019/862, for a free and comprehensive referendum involving the people of Palestine, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians, to determine the political future of their country. This proposal represents the most democratic approach to resolving the question of Palestine. Furthermore, priority must be given to the admission of Palestine as a full member state, and the Security Council must recommend its admission in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter of the United Nations. The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that no solution to the question of Palestine can bring about a just and lasting peace without respect for the will of the Palestinian people, the full realization of the right to self-determination, and an end to the occupation. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [17:20]:

I thank the representative of Islamic Republic of Iran. I give the floor next to the representative of Tunisia.


Tunisia [17:26]:

Thank you, Madam President. I thank the distinguished briefer for her presentation today. We appreciate the information you have delivered, and we thank the Secretary-General for the report. In listening to today's presentation, we all think that we know so much about discrimination, but I think that The question is how much we really know about the suffering caused by discrimination. And I think that we all have no idea about what it means to face discrimination, what it means to face discrimination and racism on a daily basis simply because of the color of our skin or our origins or where we come from, or any basis of discrimination and racism, unless we have experienced it ourselves. So the details you have delivered today give us an idea that we still have no idea about how people suffer from this really on every day. And this is precisely why our responsibility goes beyond statements and declarations, and we need concrete action, responsibility, and accountability and justice. And speaking about justice, Tunisia firmly believes that the right to self-determination cannot be selective, and when we speak about the right to self-determination, we cannot ignore Palestine, and the Palestinian people have waited far too long to exercise a right that belongs to all peoples, and this is not a privilege to be negotiated. It's a fundamental right that must be respected. And we cannot speak of universal human rights while accepting exceptions to their universality. So how can we ensure that our international commitments against discrimination and racism translate into real change in people's everyday lives, particularly for those who continue to face systemic discrimination despite decades of progress? I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [19:31]:

I thank the representative of Tunisia. I give the floor next to the representative of Egypt, to be followed by Ukraine. Egypt, you have the floor.


Egypt [19:39]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. And we thank the Assistant Secretary-General for the reports and would like to reaffirm our commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all their forms. And as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, we stress the importance of its full and effective implementation. We are also deeply concerned by the persistence and systematic and structural racism, particularly against Africans and people of African descent, including discriminatory laws, enforcement practices. We emphasize the importance of addressing the historical injustice and the enduring consequences of slavery and slave trade and colonialism, including through meaningful measures towards reparatory justice. We also welcome in this occasion the second International Decade for People of African Descent and call for strengthening the Durban follow-up mechanism and ensuring adequate resources for their mandates. We also reaffirm the right of people to self-determination. And this is a fundamental right to the enjoyment of all human rights. In this regard, we iterate our unwavering support for the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination. And we remain committed to advancing racial equality, justice, and universal enjoyment of human rights. I thank you, Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [21:06]:

I thank the representative of Egypt. I give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.


Ukraine [21:13]:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

We wish to, first of all, thank Madam Assistant Secretary General Fuentes Julio for her principled position on protection of human rights. We highly value constructive cooperation with her office here in New York and sustained attention to Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing aggression. We also appreciate OHCHR's independent monitoring and reporting and our cooperation with the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. This rigorous documentation is indispensable for establishing facts, preserving evidence, and advancing accountability. Ukraine remains committed to protecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and of indigenous peoples, including their languages, cultures, and identities, and we value cooperation with OHCHR in strengthening these protections. As we just heard again in this room, Russia invokes minority rights and self-determination to justify its aggression against Ukraine. Such manipulation must be rejected. These rights cannot serve as a pretext for invasion, occupation, or changing internationally recognized borders by force. Meanwhile, Russia subjects communities under occupation, including indigenous Crimean Tatars, to persecution and repression. OHCHR's reporting documents the wider cost of human, human cost of Russia's aggression: civilian casualties, torture, execution, prisoners of war, sexual violence, and forced disappearance. Sustained attention must also be given to violations against Ukrainian children. Madam Assistant Secretary General, how can OHCHR help counter attempts to misuse minority rights and the right to self-determination to justify aggression and territorial conquest, while ensuring that the genuine rights of minorities and indigenous people are protected.

Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [23:12]:

I thank the representative of Ukraine, who was our last speaker for this specific dialogue. I now invite the ASG for Human Rights, Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio, to respond to the comments and questions. You have the floor.


OHCHR · ASG Human Rights [23:23]:

Thank you so much to all the distinguished delegates for their comments and questions. Let me start with a specific one from the European Union about youth. States can ensure meaningful, safe, and sustained youth participation in decisions affecting them through lasting, effective channels for policy design, implementation, and monitoring, with resources and support for young people and youth-led organizations. An enabled civic space must allow access to information, organizing association and expression, including dissent without intimidation or reprisals. Protections are vital for youth challenging racism and discrimination who are at risk of targeting or marginalization. Targeted measures must remove barriers facing racial discriminated use, including people of African descent, indigenous peoples, and minorities as well. OHEHR's 2023 guidance on participation of people of African descent in public affairs and the permanent forum recommendations identify a range of practical measures in this regard. I think there were a couple of comments related to concrete actions. when it comes to racial discrimination. Let me mention just a few. In 2026, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, following the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Declaration on the Right to Development identified also racism, discrimination, colonialism, and apartheid as obstacles to development. I'm highlighting these milestones because they provide an opportunity to review progress, ongoing and emerging challenges, and the action is still needed to eliminate racial discrimination and xenophobia and related intolerance. Commitments must become decisive, transformative action undertaken with affected groups and through stronger international cooperation to secure reparatory justice for historical injustice and their lasting legacies while confronting racism today. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance persist today, devastating lives daily through instability, violence, and conflict, among other impacts. Neither current efforts nor the pace of progress is sufficient. Urgent, bold, and practical actions must start with adequately funded, integrated, and comprehensive measures to tackle multiple and intersecting forms of racial discrimination. The conclusion of this and many other reports set out some additional steps. On the questions related to minorities from the Russian Federation, OHCHR, let me say, is grossly following the situation of national minorities in Ukraine, including legal developments on minority rights and has raised and we have raised concerns about the potentially discriminatory character of certain provisions of the laws of Ukraine related to minorities and provided the Ukrainian authorities with recommendations to bring them in line with international human rights law. My office continues to advocate for the full implementation of these recommendations. Yeah, I think this is all. Thank you so much.


3rd Committee · Chair [27:03]:

Thank you very much, Assistant Secretary General. We will now proceed to hold a combined briefing by the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and program of action, followed by a combined interactive dialogue with both presenters. I would like to welcome our distinguished speakers. Participants wishing to make comments and pose questions to the speaker, speakers are invited to press their microphone button within the next six minutes, after which the list will be closed. The time limit for each speaker will be announced before the floor is given to the first speaker. Thank you for your cooperation. I first invite the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Mr. Gun Koot, who's joining us virtually, to make an introductory statement. Mr. Koot, you have the floor.


CERD · Chair [28:03]:

Thank you. Good morning, Chairperson, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It's a great honor for me to present the annual report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, document A/81/18, which covers its 116th and 117th sessions held in 2025 and 2026. 2026 is an important year for the human rights treaty body system. as we mark several significant anniversaries of the adoption of international human rights treaties. This follows last year's commemoration of the 60th anniversary of our convention, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The year-long campaign last year culminated in a high-level event on 4 December 2025, bringing together the Committee, States Parties, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the implementation of the Convention, intersecting forms of discrimination, and its continuing relevance as a living instrument. Looking back over the past 60 years, there is much to be proud of. The Convention's drafters showed remarkable foresight in establishing an international body of independent experts to address racial discrimination. Today, with 182 States Parties, the Convention provides a common framework for combating racial discrimination at the international, national, and local levels. Since its establishment, the Committee has worked continuously to monitor the implementation of the Convention and assist States in combating racial discrimination in all its forms. Yet, the challenges remain considerable. The Committee continues to confront ethnically motivated violence in situations of armed conflict, the growing prevalence of racist hate speech, including by politicians and public figures, and the targeting of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and those perceived to belong to these groups. Racial profiling also remains a serious concern, as does structural discrimination against indigenous peoples, people of African descent, Roma, and other groups. These are not abstract concerns. affect people's everyday lives in all parts of the world and their ability to enjoy their human rights on an equal footing. The Committee, therefore, continues to call on States to ensure that everyone's human rights are protected without discrimination based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin. Another persistent challenge is late or non-reporting by States Parties. As of August 2026, 50 States Party reports were at least 10 years overdue, while a further 12 were at least five years overdue. We appreciate the reports received and call on all States Parties to submit their initial reports and any outstanding periodic reports. Timely reporting is not simply a formal obligation. It enables States to assess progress, identify shortcomings, and work with the Committee to strengthen the implementation of the Convention. However, these achievements and our continued effort to combat racial discrimination are are increasingly under threat. I must express our deep concern that decades of progress in implementing the Convention are being put at risk by the chronic underfunding of the treaty body system, a situation further aggravated by the liquidity crisis. For the third consecutive year, the Committee has had to operate under drastic budgetary constraints. In both 2025 and 2026, one session was cancelled and another shortened, following a 40% reduction in the official meeting time allocated to the Treaty Bodies. These are not simply administrative difficulties. They have direct consequences for human rights protection, limiting the Committee's ability to examine reports, engage in dialogue with States, and address situations in which racial discrimination persists. The outlook for 2027 remains uncertain. This risks creating further gaps in human rights protection, increasing the backlog of State Party reports, awaiting review, and severely curtailing other activities mandated by the Convention. We therefore appeal to States to ensure adequate and predictable funding for the treaty body system in general. The full implementation of the Convention requires not only a commitment to its principles, but also a willingness to provide the institutional means necessary to give them effect. Without adequate funding for the Committee to carry out its mandate, there is a real risk that the collective commitment of States Parties will not be matched by the practical measures necessary to fulfill the obligations they have undertaken. Adequate funding is therefore not merely a matter of institutional resources. It is an essential condition for translating the obligations enshrined in the Convention into effective human rights protection. Finally, I would like to refer to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights working paper on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Body System, which was discussed at the annual meeting of the Chairs in June. The Committee reiterates the need for further information on the feasibility, long-term sustainability, and costs of the proposed measures. Any reform must be carefully assessed to ensure that it strengthens the system's effectiveness without compromising its capacity to fulfill its human rights protection mandate. Let me conclude by returning to the significance of the Convention's 60th anniversary. Over six decades, the Convention has helped establish the principle that racial discrimination is not merely a domestic concern, but a matter of international responsibility. This achievement deserves recognition, but it also places a responsibility on all of us to ensure that the Convention remains effective in practice. The credibility of the human rights protection system depends not only on the commitments we make, but also on our collective willingness to provide the means to honor them. The Committee will continue to carry out its mandate with determination, but it cannot do so without the necessary political commitment, adequate resources, and cooperation of States Parties. In closing, I would like to express the Committee's deep appreciation to States Parties, United Nations entities, National Human Rights Institutions, non-governmental organizations, other civil society actors, and our own Secretariat. Their contributions are essential to the Committee's work. Thank you for your attention.


3rd Committee · Chair [36:39]:

I thank the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. I next invite the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, His Excellency James Ndiragu Waweru, to make an introductory statement. Ambassador Waweru, you have the floor.


IGWG · IGWG · Chair-Rapporteur [37:00]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chairperson, Madam Assistant Secretary-General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It is my honor to present to the General Assembly, on behalf of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the status report on the elaboration of the draft United Nations Declaration on the Respect, Protection and Fulfilment of the Human Rights of People of African Descent. I do so at a time of profound global uncertainty and mounting challenges to human rights. Across many regions of the world, we continue to witness resurgence of racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and exclusion. Digital technologies have amplified hateful narratives and misinformation. Economic inequalities remain deeply entrenched. Conflict, displacement, climate-related harms, and social fragmentation disproportionately affect those who are already marginalized. For millions of people of African descent, these challenges intersect with the enduring consequences of slavery, the trafficking in enslaved Africans, colonialism, and systemic racial discrimination. Despite modern advances in the international human rights law and policy, The people of African descent continue to face persistent inequalities in their access to justice, education, health care, employment, housing, and political participation. In many societies, racial profiling, discriminatory treatment in criminal justice systems, exclusion from decision-making processes, and attacks against cultural and religious identities remain a reality. These realities underscore a simple but compelling truth: the international community still has a lot of unfinished work to do. The Declaration currently under negotiation seeks to address this unfinished work. It seeks not only to reaffirm existing human rights standards, but also to articulate in a comprehensive and coherent manner how these apply specifically to the rights of people of African descent and the measures required to enjoy and to ensure their full enjoyment. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the reporting period covered by this report includes the 24th session of the Working Group that was held from 15th to 17th October 2025, the 25th session that was held from 2nd to 6th February 2026, and an inter-sessional meeting covered on the 27th of November. I am pleased to report that there is meaningful progress has been achieved this period. Most notably, the Intergovernmental Working Group embarked on the second reading of the draft United Nations Declaration on the Respect, Protection and Fulfilment of Human Rights of People of African Descent. This marks an important milestone in the Working Group's efforts. Discussions during the reporting period focused on a number of thematic areas. One central area concerned the rights remedy and reparations for racial discrimination rooted in slavery. Delegations exchanged regarding the legacies of slavery, the trafficking of enslaved Africans, and colonialism, and their continuing impact on the contemporary racial discrimination and equalities. Several states consider that reparations for the crimes of the past go beyond go far beyond financial compensation. Many delegations emphasized the moral obligation of States to address those legacies, including through remembrance, acknowledgment of historical wrongs, apologies, reconciliation, and healing. Constructive dialogue took place on how these concepts might be reflected in the declaration in a manner consistent with international standards and legal frameworks. although their work remains to achieve a consensus on the language around reparatory justice. A second major area of discussion concerned the concept of Afrophobia. Delegations considered proposals aimed at recognizing the specific form of racism and racial discrimination experienced by Africans and people of African descent. While different views remain on terminology and definitions, Discussions demonstrated a shared commitment to addressing Afrophobia or anti-Black racism and advancing a common understanding. The Intergovernmental Working Group also benefited on the valuable contributions of independent experts, the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, and representatives of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner for human rights on the issue of collective rights. These contributions highlighted the collective recognition that would be essential to the protection of ancestral lands, cultural identity, traditional knowledge, reparatory justice, and the concept of peoples functioned as an umbrella category encompassing the diversity of Afro-descendant communities, including traditional, tribal, and other cultural distinct groups. The working group Also considered proposals concerning environmental rights. An expert presentation was made by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighting the disproportionate impact that environmental degradation and climate-related harms can have on people of African descent, and explored how environmental dimensions of human rights may be reflected in the Declaration. Beyond these thematic discussions, progress was made on a broad range of substantive provisions. The draft text now contains increasingly developed language, with some articles almost agreed in full. Importantly, the Working Group continues to benefit from the active participation of Member States from all regions, alongside United Nations entities. independent experts, national human rights institutions, and civil society organizations, some of whom I can see in the room. Their contributions have strengthened both the quality of the negotiations and the inclusiveness of the process. Excellencies, while genuine progress has been achieved, important issues remain under discussion. The text still contains provisions on which further negotiations and bridge building will be required. This is both normal and expected in a process of this significance. What is equally clear, however, is the process is moving forward. The negotiations conducted during the reporting period demonstrated a growing level of engagement with the text, increasing precision in drafting, and a shared determination to advance the declaration. Delegations have shown a willingness to engage seriously with the complex issues and to seek common ground where differences remain. As we look ahead, the challenge before us is not merely procedural; it is also moral and political. People of African descent around the world continue to experience discrimination, exclusion, and inequality. They continue to seek recognition, justice, and equal enjoyment of the rights. The Declaration represents an opportunity for the international community to respond to those aspirations with clarity and with purpose. I therefore call upon all Member States to continue engaging in the process with the spirit of dialogue, flexibility, and constructive compromise. In conclusion, Madam Chairperson, The pursuit of racial justice for people of African descent cannot be deferred indefinitely. The international community owes it to the present and future generations to advance a strong, meaningful, and forward-looking declaration that contributes to the respect, protection, and fulfillment of the human rights of people of African descent everywhere. I thank you, Madam Chairperson.


3rd Committee · Chair [45:31]:

I thank the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. I will now open the floor for questions or comments to both presenters. As per past practice, I ask delegations to limit their comments to four minutes. I thank you for your kind cooperation. I now give the floor to the representative of Chile, to be followed by France, Brazil, and Nigeria. Chile, you have the floor.


Chile [45:58]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Chile is grateful to the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Mr. Cook, for his report and for the important work of the Committee in the promotion and protection of human rights. Our country reaffirms its firm commitment to the elimination of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and associated forms of intolerance. In this regard, Chile has a legal framework that recognizes the principle of equality and non-discrimination, specifically through law 2069 that establishes measures against discrimination and the immigration law, which recognizes equality before the law and combating discrimination against foreigners. Our country also continues to support capacity building initiatives and awareness raising initiatives, promoting inclusive public policy that respects diversity. We also support labor inclusion, interculturality, and good practices of non-discrimination to migrants. In this context, and taking note of General Recommendation 38 and 39 of the Committee as regards the eradication of xenophobia against migrants, we would like to ask the Chair of the Committee how he evaluates progress in relation to these recommendations and what are the main challenges to convert these into effective and real measures? Thank you very much, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [47:22]:

I thank the representative of Chile. I give the floor to the representative of France.


France [47:30]:

Madame Chairperson, Chair of the Committee, Chair Rapporteur of the IGWG, France is combating all forms of discrimination vigorously, whether they be on the basis of origin, actual or presumed, or on the basis of belonging to some supposed race. We hope to combat this through universalism. rejecting the logic of fragmentation and essentialization. In July, a new National Action Plan for combating racism, antisemitism, and discrimination on the basis of origin was introduced in France. It reaffirms our commitment. It was crafted following large-scale consultations and contains 55 concrete, measurable measures. which I invite you to get acquainted with. France looks to its past with clear eyes. We hope to continue the work of remembrance. We've begun on slavery and colonization following the adoption by our parliament in 2021 of a, in 2001, of a law recognizing slavery and the slave trade as crimes against humanity. And most recently, with the law on the return of cultural property adopted in May of this year, we've already begun restitution of cultural property and human remains. We started this in 2017 on a bilateral basis with Benin, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar. As our President stated before the General Assembly in September, reparations should be underpinned by shared, unequivocal scientific approaches. France lends its support to Ghana's initiative aimed at establishing the historical truth about slavery in all of its depth and complexity, ensuring that we take for the memory of victims, ensuring it lives on in a dignified and faithful manner. This is part and parcel of our work undertaken over the last few years with Africa and the Caribbean. France hopes that the work we're doing on historical recognition will pave the way for reconciliation and shared future. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [49:32]:

The representative of France. I give the floor to the representative of Brazil.


Brazil [49:37]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Brazil thanks the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action for their reports. This dialogue is an important opportunity to reaffirm that the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination and the DDPA are mutually reinforcing frameworks, providing a comprehensive normative and policy basis for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Brazil thanks the Committee for its work and for its General Recommendation number 40 on reparatory justice. Among other important issues raised by the committee, we particularly highlight the importance of promoting education to combat the persistence of discriminatory attitudes and of addressing structural barriers to participation in political and public life. Brazil remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the Convention and the DDPA, including through affirmative action policies and inclusive education that promotes diversity, human rights, and mutual respect. We welcome the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report A/81/337, particularly the call to mainstream anti-racism across public policies, including those related to climate action, digital technologies, migration, and access to public services. We also support efforts to improve the collection and use of disaggregated data, adopt intersectional approaches, and address the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism through reparatory justice. Madam Chair, combating racism requires a systemic approach. In this regard, Brazil has established a voluntary 18 sustainable development goal dedicated to racial equality, accompanied by specific indicators to measure progress and strengthen public policies. We believe that despite the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, progress towards many targets remain insufficient. It is important to ensure that people of African descent, indigenous peoples, and other minority groups occupy a central place in sustainable development strategies, both within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and beyond. Brazil also thanks the Intergovernmental Working Group for advancing negotiations on the draft United Nations Declaration on the Respect, Protection, and Fulfilment of the Human Rights of People of African Descent. We consider the successful conclusion of this process a priority. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [52:30]:

I thank the representative of Brazil. I give the floor to the representative of Nigeria, to be followed by Ireland, Liberia, and Russian Federation. Ambassador, Nigeria, have the floor.


Nigeria · Ambassador [52:40]:

Chair, Nigeria thanks all our briefers for their presentation and commend them for their continued efforts towards the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering support for the full implementation of the DDPA, which remains a comprehensive international framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. We underscore the importance of renewed political commitment, international cooperation, and concrete action to address these persistent challenges and advance racial justice and equality. Nigeria attaches particular importance to confronting the enduring consequences of slavery, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism, which continue to inform contemporary inequalities and manifestations of racial discrimination. We reiterate the need for meaningful effort towards historical acknowledgement, accountability, and reparatory justice consistent with international law as part of broader efforts to restore dignity, promote reconciliation, and address the root causes of racial injustice. We support sustained progress in developing the draft United Nations Declaration on the Respect, Protection, and Fulfilment of Human Rights of People of African Descent. We believe this process offers an important opportunity to strengthen the international framework for protecting their human rights, promote equality and non-discrimination, and ensure that the historical and contemporary experiences of Africans and people of African descent are adequately reflected. We encourage continued constructive engagement among Member States to advance the negotiations in a transparent, inclusive, and consensus-oriented manner. Furthermore, we stress the importance of addressing contemporary manifestations of racism, including racial profiling, discriminatory practices in law enforcement, and the excessive use of force against Africans and people of African descent. Effective accountability, equal protection under the law, and practical measures to eliminate systemic discrimination are essential to building trust in institutions and ensuring that the promise of racial equality is realized in practice. In conclusion, Nigeria re-traits its commitment to working with other member states and relevant stakeholders to effectively implement the DDPA. We encourage both mechanisms to sustain their important work and urge the international community to translate its commitment into tangible progress for all victims of racism and racial discrimination. And thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [55:16]:

I thank the representative of Nigeria. I give the floor to the representative of Ireland.


Ireland [55:21]:

Ireland aligns with the EU statement.

Congratulations to Mr. Coote for his election as committee chair, and thank you to both chairs for their important work. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action together provide a comprehensive framework for combating all forms of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

We repeat our hope that the political declaration adopted to mark the 25th anniversary of the Durban

Declaration will effectively mobilize political will towards the full and effective implementation of the declaration and program of action. Continued and constructive engagement at all levels is necessary to strengthen our shared responsibility to combat any form of discrimination, intolerance, violence, and persecution including anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and hatred of Christians.

Ireland's National

Action Plan against racism is a key component of giving effect to the Convention and the Durban Declaration at domestic level. This February, Ireland's Special Rapporteur on Racism and Racial Equality presented her first report, marking the midway point in the implementation of the action plan. providing an important opportunity to assess progress and ensure accountability.

Mr. Coote, Ambassador Waweru, how can we effectively mobilize

political will and foster constructive engagement to advance the full and effective implementation of both the Convention and the DDPA? Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [57:03]:

I thank the representative of Ireland. I give the floor to the representative of Liberia.


Liberia · Africa Group [57:08]:

Thank you, madam Chair. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the African Group. We thank Mr Coote and Ambassador Aworo for their presentations and reaffirm our support for their respective mandates. The recent high-level meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the political declaration adopted thereafter provides renewed impetus for the continued implementation of Durban. The African group recognizes that the Durban framework and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination are mutually reinforcing. Our collective task is to translate these commitments into effective protection and remedies for victims. We therefore welcome the Committee’s work on combating xenophobia towards migrants and those perceived as such, and its continuing elaboration of a general recommendation on reparatory justice. Similarly, Addressing the enduring consequences of colonialism, enslavement, and a trade in enslaved Africans is essential to dismantling systemic racism. We are concerned that financial constraints undermine the Committee's capacity to discharge its mandate. Adequate and predictable resources must be secured alongside technical assistance to help States fulfill reporting obligations and implement concluding observations. We also encourage cooperation with African regional human rights mechanisms and effective early warning to prevent serious violations. Madam Chair, we welcome progress in elaborating the draft United Nations Declaration on the Respect, Protection and Fulfillment of the Human Rights of People of African Descent, including the commencement of its second readings. The African Group calls for a substantive declaration that addresses systemic racism and historical injustices with reparatory justice, effective remedies, and meaningful participation at its center. We urge constructive engagement to resolve outstanding issues while pursuing this ambition. A strong outcome will support implementation during the second International Decade for People of African Descent. To this end, Cooperation among the working group, the committee, and the Permanent Forum should continue to draw on their distinct mandates and experiences of affected communities. The African Group remains committed to contributing to the success of these critical mechanisms. Thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [59:46]:

I thank the representative of Liberia. On behalf of the African Group, I give the floor now to the representative of the Russian Federation, to be followed by Cameroon, Cuba, Guatemala, and the European Union. Russian Federation, you have the floor.


Russian Federation [1:00:02]:

Madam Chair, we would like to welcome the work of the IGWG on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, DDPA. We agree that in order to overcome racism, we need greater political resolve. We need to strengthen multilateral cooperation as well as the building of partnerships. Comprehensive implementation of the DDPA the 25th anniversary of which is being celebrated by the international community this year, well, this is a key element if we are to create an international architecture underpinned by the diversity of civilizations and the principle of the sovereign equality of states inter alia. Speaking at the plenary of the Russia-Africa Forum, which just finished in Moscow, President Putin said, "Africa is increasingly speaking up." as a continent with political and economic clout. The continent is becoming increasingly sovereign, and its credibility is growing. What's most important is Africans stand ready to stand up for their interests and to move down the path to development. We stand convinced that unless we fully recognize Africa's role, we won't be able to build a fair system of international relations. However, the consequences of slavery and the colonial era are still being acutely felt. They are the root causes of inequality. Today, neocolonial instruments, economic dictates, illegitimate sanctions pressure, and attempts to push developing countries into a financial pit stopping us from eradicating racial and economic inequality, increasing the isolation and dislocation of entire continents. All of these challenges require us to take decisive action. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:01:52]:

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. I give the floor to the representative of Cameroon.


Cameroon [1:02:01]:

Thank you, madam Chairperson. My delegation would like to align itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group. We'd like to thank the briefers for their briefings. as well as their ongoing advocacy. As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, DDPA, Cameroon would like to underscore contemporary manifestations of structural discrimination and xenophobia which we continue to witness today. These are directly fueled by unresolved historical legacies of colonialism. For the African continent, Repairing these injustices, systemic injustices, it's not a simple aspiration, it's not just an option, it is a moral and legal imperative.

Therefore, I have two questions to the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the DDPA. Given the persistent deficits in political will to fully execute the Durban Programme of Action, what concrete mechanism can you propose to ensure member states move beyond rhetorical compliance towards binding domestic legal accountability? Second, how can the United Nations better coordinate across its development and human rights agencies to support African states in establishing standard methodologies for measuring the contemporary economic toll of historical colonialism?

I thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:03:34]:

I thank the representative of Cameroon. I give the floor to the representative of Cuba.


Cuba [1:03:41]:

Madam Chair, we are grateful for the presentations by the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Chair Rapporteur on the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 25 years on, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action continues to be the compass that indicates the right path towards the elimination of racism and racial discrimination. Its historical significance and programmatic value are undeniable. We reject the actions of the United States government aimed at eroding the level of international support for this transcendental document, and also its opposition to the recently adopted political declaration of the high-level meeting on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the DDPA. Xenophobia, discrimination, police brutality, institutionalized racial discrimination, intolerance, and supremacist ideologies are on the rise. This is particularly the case in highly developed countries, and it affects persons of African descent, religious minorities, migrants, and indigenous peoples. The wealthiest nations, which benefited from centuries of conquest, colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade, refuse to take on their historic responsibilities. Some have even opposed this assembly's recognition of the slave trade as the most serious crime against humanity in history. At the same time, the international economic order is perpetuating the exclusion of the vast majority. The colonies of yesteryear remain, and for the most part, are marginalized and forgotten today. Cuba is proudly a mestizo or mixed nation whose African heritage and roots are an essential part of our identity. This is where a large part of our determination to be truly free stems from, and also our creativity and our unshakable resilience. We reiterate our commitment to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and our willingness to advance to its full implementation. Our people have demonstrated this in the face of the tightening of the blockade, the energy stranglehold, and the policy of maximum pressure and the continuous threats of military aggression by the United States. As our foreign minister recently stated, like the Maroons in the Cuban countryside, our people cannot live in chains or on their knees. This is why the Durban Declaration is so crucial for Cuba and why our country will continue to defend its principles. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:06:02]:

I thank the representative of Cuba. I give the floor to the representative of Guatemala. Microphone for Guatemala.


Guatemala [1:06:26]:

Madam Chair, Guatemala is grateful for the presentations and briefings by the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We recognize the important work that this treaty body plays in monitoring compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. and other substantive actions that are linked to early warning and urgent action procedures. At the end of 2025, Guatemala supported the evaluation of its combined 18th and 20th periodic reports, obtaining valuable feedback from that review on the actions the country is implementing as a State Party. At present, we are following up on the observations issued by the Committee. Guatemala recognizes the structural and institutional challenges that it is facing in eliminating systemic racism and racial discrimination that still persist in society today. During the current administration, a policy of dialogue and civil participation with a community approach have been implemented with the conviction that it is only through an honest democratic exchange that is grounded in reality, can we truly build effective solutions. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:07:44]:

I thank the representative of Guatemala. I give the floor to the representative of the European Union, to be followed by Venezuela, Belgium, Kenya, and Israel. The EU, you have the floor.


EU · EU [1:07:55]:

Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The European Union wishes to congratulate Mr. Genc for his election as the new chair of the CERD and to thank him and the committee for their work. We also wish to thank Ambassador James Nderangui Waweru, Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the DDPA, and the Secretariat for its status report on the elaboration of the draft UN Declaration on the Human Rights of People of African Descent. The EU remains fully committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all its forms. The EU will continue to strongly oppose and step up action to combat all forms of discrimination, with specific attention to multiple forms of discrimination, including on grounds of race, religion, or belief. We constantly reaffirm this commitment, including through our new EU anti-racism strategy 2026-2030. Mr. Gencut, The EU reaffirms its strong support for the Committee and its mandate. The International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination remains a living instrument and the universal framework to collectively prevent and eradicate racism. In this respect, the EU reiterates its call for universal ratification and effective implementation of the Convention. Mr. Waweru, we thank you for your leadership and the constructive manner in which the working group has begun the second reading of the draft declaration. Do you note the work which has gone into substantive draft text? The report, however, shows that much work remains. It is critical to take the time to discuss thoroughly outstanding issues to achieve broad support for the text. We remain committed to engaging meaningfully in these negotiations in a spirit of collective responsibility to reach an agreed draft advancing the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and related intolerance for all. We also welcome the participation of technical experts, such as OHCHR, for their useful input on the character of declarations, collective rights, and environmental rights. We encourage the working group to pursue this practice. As we have consistently stressed, any future declaration must be fully aligned with existing international law. We must remain cautious not to create new rights that would not apply to all human beings, as human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible, and interdependent. The EU's constructive engagement in these negotiations does not prejudge their outcome. Chair, the EU reiterates its call to streamline the follow-up mechanisms to the DDPA and focus on strategies to ensure their effective complementarity, efficiency, and concrete outcomes. Our common goal must be to improve the efficiency of our fight against racism. Allow me to pose two questions to Mr. Waweru. With many provisions still bracketed, how do you tend to progress with the second reading of the draft declaration, for instance, through prioritization or informal facilitating on the most sensitive issues? And what timeline do you foresee? I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:11:10]:

I thank the representative of the EU, and I give the floor now to the representative of Venezuela.


Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [1:11:19]:

Thank you very much, madam Chair. We are grateful to you for organizing this discussion, and we welcome the chair of the committee, Mr. Gun Kut, whom we congratulate upon his election, and the chair rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group, Mr. James Dierangu Waweru. Venezuela is a State Party to the Convention and is going through a new phase of dialogue, inclusion and cooperation under the government of President Delcy Rodriguez. We appreciate the constructive dialogue of the Committee with States Parties. At the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, we reaffirmed its importance in the fight against racism and intolerance, and we value the work of the Intergovernmental Working Group. in order to achieve its effective implementation. We welcome draft General Recommendation 40 of the Committee on reparations and the resolution of the Assembly that recognized the enslavement of Africans in the transatlantic slave trade as the most serious crime against humanity. In a context where we can see worrying manifestations of intolerance and hate speech in different regions, that, amongst other things, stigmatize migrants and minorities, we would be grateful to know the views of the Committee and the working group on how international cooperation can be strengthened and how preventive measures aimed at safeguarding the progress that has been made in implementation of the Convention and the DDPA. Venezuela is making progress, Madam Chair, in its recovery and rebirth following the earthquakes of June 24th, together with the support of the United Nations, but we cannot ignore the fact that unilateral coercive measures, which are illegal in their implementation, are reducing, severely eroding the capacity of States to create and apply programmes and public policies to support indigenous peoples and persons of African descent, and these violations of human rights, as documented by various special rapporteurs. to being a modern form of systematic discrimination that limits our national capacity. For all these reasons, we reiterate the call for the unconditional lifting of these unilateral coercive measures and for the promotion of dialogue and cooperation instead. On the other hand, our National Assembly is advancing in the reform of the law against hate in favor of the peaceful coexistence and tolerance, as validated by the Supreme Court of Justice. for parliamentary debate in order for it to be perfected in terms of its legal technicalities and to optimize the sanctioning regime and to strengthen legal security and peaceful coexistence in the country. Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and its readiness to cooperate with the Committee and the Working Group, in the certainty that mutual recognition, solidarity and dialogue amongst peoples will make it possible to achieve the founding ideal of the United Nations, to achieve peace and peaceful coexistence without distinction of any kind. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:14:37]:

I thank the representative of Venezuela. I give the floor to the representative of Belgium.


Belgium [1:14:43]:

Madame Chair. Belgium thanks the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the IDPA for their presentations. We welcome this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, both domestically and internationally. We recognize that addressing these challenges requires sustained, coordinated, and inclusive efforts across society. At the same time, the broad international consensus and spirit of cooperation be preserved and not be undermined for political purposes. Belgium continues to call on all states to ratify without reservation the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which remains a cornerstone of the international legal framework. While Belgium has established a comprehensive legislative and policy framework to combat discrimination, racism, and intolerance, challenges persist. To strengthen the coherence, effectiveness, and impact of its response, Belgium is currently developing an ambitious inter-federal action plan against racism, discrimination, and intolerance. This initiative aims to further advance the implementation of the commitments reflected in the DDPA and demonstrates our determination to translate principles into concrete actions. Reflecting on and addressing the enduring consequences of historical injustices also forms an integral part of the discussion surrounding this plan. Through these efforts, Belgium seeks to foster a more inclusive and resilient society while ensuring that its international human rights commitment leads to tangible and measurable progress for all. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:16:26]:

I thank the representative of Belgium. I give the floor to the representative of Kenya.


Kenya [1:16:33]:

Thank you, madam Chair. Kenya aligns in the statement delivered on behalf of the African group and thanks the briefers for their briefing and their continued efforts towards this important mandate. Kenya supports explicit recognition that the enduring consequences of slavery, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism remains among the causes of contemporary racism and racial inequality, alongside references to transformative change. Reparatory justice must retain its full scope, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition. Kenya reaffirms its support for the African group's proposed definition of Afrophobia. The draft declaration should explicitly recognize the specific form of racial discrimination affecting Africans and people of African descent. Chair, recognition must also translate into concrete action to overcome material disadvantage and structural inequality. Kenya supports expanded access to capital, including through community development banks, equitable access to credit and enterprise financing, and investment that enables businesses in underserved communities to grow and create decent employment. We support implementation to tackle discriminatory barriers in education, healthcare, employment, and housing, as well as racial profiling and algorithmic bias. Effective remedies should include accessible legal assistance, impartial investigations, and accountability, with particular attention to women and girls, children, persons with disability, migrants, and refugees facing compounded discrimination. In conclusion, Kenya remains committed to constructive engagement towards a declaration that advances historical redress, substantive equality, and practical opportunity.

Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:18:31]:

I thank the representative of Kenya. I give the floor to the representative of Israel.


Israel [1:18:38]:

Thank you, Chair. The liquidity crisis is not the only thing plaguing the activity of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This committee spearheaded the disturbing trend whereby human rights treaty bodies abuse their platform, sadly forfeiting the important role of monitoring the implementation of human rights conventions in a professional and impartial manner. The opening remarks in the committee's 111th session in November 2023 exposed its members' existing inclinations. Only weeks after Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups carried out one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks in modern history, a member of the committee called Israel a true terrorist state and labeled Israel's operations against Hamas a new Holocaust. Coming directly from members of treaty bodies, Holocaust inversion is beyond reprehensible. It is also ludicrous that the committee responded to October 7th by referring to the victim of terrorism as a terrorist state. The Committee has also repeatedly abused its early warning and urgent action procedure to issue decisions against Israel that address matters outside the scope of its mandate. Most recently, the Committee issued a baseless decision under this procedure on the subject of Lebanon, not even attempting to relate to facts raising possible claims of racial discrimination as defined in the Convention. A connection which the committee did not even attempt to argue or establish. More troubling still is the committee's irresponsible invocation of the crime of genocide. In doing so, the committee distorts the term, dilutes its meaning, and cynically uses the gravest of crimes as political shorthand. Considering the frightful rise in antisemitism worldwide, translated into intimidation and violence, Perhaps the Committee should exercise its early warning procedures to address matters actually within the scope of its mandate. This is a matter of concern for all. The weaponization of human rights to serve malign agendas is a threat to the universal application of human rights. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:20:54]:

I thank the representative of Israel. I give the floor next to the representative of India, to be followed by Kingdom of the Netherlands, China, and Ghana. India, you have the floor.


India [1:21:07]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. India has seen the annual report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. India remains committed to the elimination of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, in accordance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. India's commitment to the elimination of racial discrimination comes from our own history. India raised the question of racial discrimination in South Africa at the very first session of the General Assembly in 1946. Our constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. These guarantees are enforced by an independent judiciary and statutory commissions. and kept under watch by a free press and active civil society. In this regard, we recall India's periodic review before the Committee in August 2026. It was an engaging, constructive, and candid discussion with the Committee. The matters the Committee raised with us in correspondence during the year were taken up in detail in that dialogue. India expects the Committee to look into instances of racial discrimination genuinely faced by people around the world, including Indian migrants, who form one of the largest migrant and diaspora communities in the world. Indians abroad, including students, professionals, and workers, have faced racial stereotyping, abuse, and in some cases, violence. It is surprising that such discrimination does not figure in the Committee’s report. We note the joint general recommendation numbers 38 and 39 on xenophobia towards migrants. Discrimination on the basis of national origin falls within the scope of the Convention. We would observe, however, that the experience of large migrant communities from the global South finds limited reflection in the Committee's wider work. We would be interested to hear the Chair's views on how the Committee intends to address these contemporary forms of xenophobia. India will continue to engage constructively with the Committee and to support concrete, nationally-led and internationally coordinated efforts to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Thank you, madam.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:23:35]:

I thank the representative of India. I give the floor to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.


Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [1:23:42]:

Madam Chair, the Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks both mandate holders for their rich presentations. My delegation remains firmly committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, including anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred. We recognize that contemporary racism cannot be viewed in isolation from historical injustices, including slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Their consequences continue to be felt today. including in the Caribbean parts of our Kingdom. Last week, the Netherlands hosted UNESCO's fifth Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination in The Hague, reaffirming our commitment to international cooperation and dialogue. We believe that acknowledging our shared histories is essential to building a future based on equality and mutual respect. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to listen, to learn, and importantly, to act. Together with our international partners, we remain committed to combating racism and discrimination in all their forms. Thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:24:58]:

I thank the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I give the floor to China.


China [1:25:06]:

China thanks the briefers for their briefings.

International efforts against racism have made positive progress.

However, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remain widespread in many parts of the world. Much remains to be done to fully implement the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and effectively implement the DDPA. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Implementation of the DDPA have played a positive role in advancing the elimination of racial discrimination worldwide, which China appreciates. China has consistently fulfilled its obligations under the Convention and actively participated in relevant international cooperation and calls on all countries to fully implement the DDPA and and relevant GA resolutions, eradicate systemic racism, prohibit incitement to racial hatred, and end impunity. We should strengthen dialogue and exchanges among races and civilizations, uphold openness and inclusivity, firmly oppose religious discrimination and hate speech, accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda, ensure the right to development for all, and reduce discrimination and inequality at their roots. Chair, the slave trade and colonialism are major root causes of racism. People of African descent were victims of these practices in the past and continue to bear the consequences today. China supports drafting the UN Declaration on the Promotion and Full Respect of the Human Rights of People of African Descent, supports the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, and calls on the international community to strengthen action and cooperation and further advance efforts to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism and achieve reparatory justice.

I thank you, Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:27:10]:

I thank the representative of China. I give the floor to Ghana.


Ghana [1:27:18]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Ghana aligns itself with the statements of the African Group and thanks the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Chair Rapporteur on the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action for their diligent work and concise briefings. The General Assembly on 25th March 2026 adopted by a vast majority the African Group Resolution on the Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and the Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity, submitted by Ghana. The resolution resolves the paradox in paragraph 13 of the Durban Declaration and further emphasizes the gravity of the slave trade in its nature, scale, duration, and enduring consequences reflected in systemic racism, social inequalities, and economic disparities. The resolution also calls for Member States to engage in good faith dialogue on reparatory justice, including a full and formal apology, measures of restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, guarantees of non-repetition, and changes to laws and programs. As part of the follow-up mechanisms for implementing Resolution 8250, Ghana hosted a Next Steps Conference in Accra in June 2026, which convened all 122 states that voted in favor of the resolution, international organizations, civil societies, and academics. The meeting adopted a Next Steps Commitment, which sets out a global strategic framework on reparatory justice, including compensatory reparations, global governance reforms, spiritual and social healing, debt relief, and financial justice. Ghana also hosted a high-level side event on advancing international cooperation for the return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage, co-hosted and co-sponsored by Germany and France respectively, during the high-level week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly for further deliberations among member states. Chair Rapporteur, how can the objectives of resolution 8250 be effectively implemented and, more importantly, embedded within the overall UN mechanism on reparatory justice for historical injustices and the elimination of racism and racial discrimination? I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:29:30]:

I thank the representative of Ghana. I give the floor next to the representative of Spain, to be followed by Islamic Republic of Iran, UK, South Africa, Colombia, and Lesotho. Spain, you have the floor.


Spain [1:29:44]:

Thank you, madam Chair. Spain aligns with the statement of the EU and reaffirms its opposition to all forms of racism or discrimination in line with what has been set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Formal and material equality and non-discrimination are an essential part of the spinal column of fundamental rights recognised by the Spanish Constitution. anything that involves racism is not Spanish. We've been developing measures in order to eradicate this scourge for many years. The Spanish criminal code punishes discrimination, racism, antisemitism with 30 years in prison. In 2015, we strengthened the response to hate crime against racism, discrimination, antisemitism. In 2022, we incorporated anti-Roma, Gypsy racism into this. and also any diseases, sexual identity, language, or socioeconomic situations. In addition to this, we have an inclusion and citizenship framework for the elimination of racism through 2027 that strengthens work to prevent and raise awareness about hate speech, especially in digital environments. And also, in 2025, we created our independent authority for equality of treatment and non-discrimination. Madam Chair, Spain defends a model of a just, inclusive and diverse society based on equality of rights, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Racism and discrimination are attacks on human rights and these are incompatible with democracy. And these do not have. they did not fit in our country. We congratulate Mr. Gut for his election. Given the increase of extremist messages through digital platforms, what measures would you recommend should be adopted in order to ensure that the digital sphere does not become a space for impunity for this kind of speech? Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:32:05]:

I thank the representative of Spain. I give the floor to the representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:32:14]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its firm and consistent commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as the comprehensive UN framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Twenty-five years after its adoption and following the high-level meeting in September and the subsequent adoption of the political declaration, The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action remain as relevant and necessary as ever. Their full and effective implementation is not a matter of choice; it is a collective obligation rooted in the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Regrettably, despite repeated commitments, implementation has remained selective and incomplete, Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance persist in various forms and manifestations, including rising Islamophobia, discrimination against people of African descent and other minorities, and the continued denial of the fundamental rights of people under occupation. In particular, the prolonged occupation of Palestine and the systematic discrimination, dispossession, and collective punishment inflicted upon the Palestinian people constitute a stark and continuing example of racial injustice that cannot be ignored. The international community must address all forms of racism without double standards, selectivity, or politicization. The Islamic Republic of Iran calls for the full, universal and non-selective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and its follow-up mechanisms. We urge all Member States to refrain from actions that undermine or marginalize this vital instrument and to strengthen international cooperation towards its full and effective implementation. Only through genuine political will and the full implementation of the commitments undertaken at Durban can we advance equality, justice, and human dignity for all. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to continue its constructive engagement in this regard. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:34:24]:

I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I give the floor to the United Kingdom.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:34:32]:

Thank you. The UK is grateful to the presenters for their briefings and ongoing essential work to tackle racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The UK remains committed to this agenda and honours the contributions of all communities who have shaped who the UK is today. Our nation is defined by a rich diversity, and we embrace it proudly. While the UK has made progress towards a fairer society, systemic inequalities persist in areas such as housing, healthcare, and employment. We remain committed to tackling these challenges and ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to succeed. Last year, we announced a new Racial Equality Engagement Group to strengthen the Government’s links with ethnic minority communities, enabling effective two-way dialogue on tackling race inequalities. We are committed to making Right the Equal Pay effective for ethnic minority people, including through the introduction of mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting for large employers. We are taking decisive action to combat religious hate and its roots across all corners of society, including committing record investment to protect faith communities. It is also important to take action internationally to face up to the past. We must learn and listen to partners and work together as we do this, as my Prime Minister said over the weekend. The UK remains committed to building societies based on dignity, respect, and equal opportunity for all. Chair, how can we collectively ensure that our commitments to equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination deliver tangible results for those most affected by racism?

Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:36:17]:

I thank the representative of the UK. I give the floor to the representative of South Africa.


South Africa [1:36:25]:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African Group.

South Africa sincerely thanks the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Mr. Guncut, and the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of.

Action, Mr. James Waweru. The feedback provided today broadly highlights that collectively, we can do a lot more to implement this agenda.

Stronger political will is needed to combat racism, racial intolerance, xenophobia, and related intolerances.

The interlinkage between historical and contemporary forms of racism reminds us of the need to implement reparatory justice measures in order to make progress on this agenda. It is painful to note that in 2026, both systemic and structural racism remain as global challenges. South Africa remains fully committed to implementing the DDPA and urges all Member States to continue on this path towards the attainment of inclusive.

And diverse societies that recognize injustice and conduct intentional measures to redress these injustices.

Furthermore, South Africa encourages all Member States to provide timely reports to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This allows us to truly understand how this agenda is progressing and where we can improve. We also strongly support the call for adequate funding for this agenda. If we want to eliminate racism and xenophobia, we must match these efforts with the use of assessed contributions.

Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:38:04]:

I thank the representative of South Africa. I give the floor to the representative of Colombia.


Colombia [1:38:14]:

Thank you very much. My delegation thanks the briefers for introducing their reports. Colombia recognizes the important work of the Committee in the promotion and protection of the right to equality and to non-discrimination, and also its contribution to strengthening the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Our country reaffirms its commitment to the fight against racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia, and associated forms of intolerance. We recognize that historic inequalities continue to affect people and persons of African descent, and that closing this gap requires inclusive public policy, effective participation, and substantive progress in the area of international cooperation. In this context, Colombia recently accepted the competence of the Committee provided in Article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, reaffirming our commitment to the strengthening of international mechanisms for protection and also for access to justice for victims of racial discrimination. Colombia takes note of the work by the Committee in the area of structural discrimination and reparations in order to move towards more inclusive societies, the more respectful. We will continue to support multilateral efforts aimed at combating racism in all of its forms and manifestations, and to promote equality, inclusion, and respect for ethnic and racial diversity. We also reiterate our commitment to international human rights mechanisms and to the constructive dialogue in order to strengthen the implementation of our international obligations. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:40:00]:

I thank the representative of Colombia. I give the floor to our last speaker, Lesotho.


Lesotho [1:40:10]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Lesotho aligns itself with the statement delivered by Liberia on behalf of Africa Group. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as principal international framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance. While progress has been achieved in advancing equality and promoting human rights, these challenges continue to undermine human dignity, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Lesotho remains deeply concerned by the persistence of hate speech, discrimination against migrants and refugees, and other manifestations of intolerance that threaten peace, coexistence and inclusive societies. Lesotho firmly believes that all persons, regardless of race, nationality, and migration status, are entitled to equal rights and must be treated with dignity, respect, and without discrimination. In this regard, we call for strengthened international cooperation, enhanced education and awareness-raising initiatives, and adoption of inclusive policies aimed at addressing the root cause of discrimination, racism, and intolerance.

As we.

Renew our commitment to the DPA, let us work collectively to build a society founded on equality, justice, inclusion, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Thank you, Madam.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:42:01]:

I thank the representative of Lesotho. I will now invite the presenters of the combined briefing to respond to the comments and questions from the floor. I first give the floor to the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Mr. Goonquitz.


CERD · Chair [1:42:20]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you very much. Thank you, esteemed delegations, for the interest that all overwhelmingly treated the issue in a good lens, I would say. I don't know if I will be able to address all the questions that were raised. I wish I was given the opportunity to be there in person so that we could have a more extended dialogue on all the issues that were raised. Let me start by addressing a number of them. First, thank you very much, all delegations, for the statements of support. for the Committee and also the commitment to ICERD and its objectives. It's very important for us because we can only deliver what is expected of us if we have the confidence of the States Parties and their support. as to a number of issues that converge around our general policy recommendations, general recommendations in our literature. We have recently come up with three general recommendations, which are of interest to the delegations because many of them raised these issues. Now, two of them were joint general recommendations, number 38 and number 39. Joint recommendations to get — they were drafted and agreed upon and adopted by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as well as the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The first one is the general guidelines for eradicating xenophobia towards migrants and others perceived as such. And it's the next one, number 39. General Comment 8 for the Committee on Migrant Workers, the thematic guidelines for eradicating xenophobia toward migrants and others perceived as such. I recommend looking at these documents closely because they incorporate a number of guidelines for policy, as well as advice for legislation, and also clarification of the position of the committees, respective committees, on the interpretation of our conventions on this matter. Particularly, the general recommendations defined and introduced the concept of xenophobia, which brought our convention, or at least the interpretation of it, in line, closer in line with the DDPA. Now, on the DDPA, the committee is, in every possible case, taking up, reminding the State Parties about the Durban Declaration and the Programme of Action, and we are following it up. So any State Party delegation who have appeared before the Committee have heard from members questions about what actions they're taking in the implementation of the DDPA. So, the committee is on it, and it follows up. The question about political will, that's the only thing we depend on, actually. We are engaged in constructive dialogue with States Parties on issues reported to us as complaints, and the Committee takes a victim-oriented approach. If there is a complaint referring to victimhood, Then, the Committee reminds the State Party of this and asks for information, and also kindly requests the State Party to find a solution to the problem through its recommendations, in its concluding observations. So it is a friendly approach to the State Parties. It's a constructive approach. When the State Party is able to address the complaints and solve the problems, it's a domestic success for the State Party, it's a success for the Committee. But for that, we need the cooperation of the authorities in the State Party. First of all, through regularity in reporting, and then conforming with the recommendations made by the Committee. That is implementation. So for us, for the Committee, what is important is to compare a State Party's past report with the current one. and the members look for improvements in the situations that were raised before. So, success depends on the political will granted by the authorities. And this is something that is beyond the Committee. That has to do with the States Parties, and we appeal to the States Parties. to take into consideration the recommendations made by the committee. The issue of racial profiling and algorithmic bias is also something that the committee has been paying a lot of attention. If you look at our concluding observations, you will see that where relevant, this issue is always raised and relevant recommendations were made. Also on this subject, the Committee has the General Recommendation No. 36 on preventing and combating racial profiling by law enforcement officials, which incorporates all the elements considered by the Committee. On the universal ratification, we're almost there. The Committee has 180 two States Parties out of 193 plus two. Those we miss, we miss mostly because of issues of distance and capacity. So, We almost consider ourselves to be universally adopted. But we're working on it. We're looking for ways to reach out to the non-signatory states, members of the UN, and we hope we can achieve full membership ratification. There was a point on intersectionality. It's yet another area where the Committee has spent a lot of time and effort. We have defined a number of issues as intersectionally relevant, and we raise them whenever we have a State Party in front of us. in considering their periodic reports, and the case is relevant. On the very important issue of historical injustice, injustices, and reparatory justice, the Committee had, in its last session in August of this year has adopted the General Recommendation No. 40, which is a very important document. It has taken us a very long time to discuss it and to basically improve it. I refer you to this document, which clearly outlines the approach of the Committee. For the criticism coming from the distinguished representative of Israel, well, thank you. We take all criticisms in all seriousness and We try to improve our working methods all the time, but it is important for me to underline and stress particularly that the Committee consists of 18 independent members, which are elected by the General Assembly, as you know. coming from all different regions, from very different backgrounds, but we are independent experts. In the end, it is the Committee's common sense that prevails. On the issues referred to by the distinguished representative, The Committee, again, taking into consideration grievances coming from very different sources, culminating into an interstate complaint, which resulted in the creation of a conciliation commission, which tried to do its best to address all the issues that were referred to us with the two parties, Israel and the State of Palestine. Israel refused to cooperate. So it was a failure on our part. Because we couldn't achieve conciliation, but this is what we tried to do.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:55:34]:

That's a good story. We'll ask you to wrap up. Your time is up.


CERD · Chair [1:55:39]:

Thank you. Two more issues, please. So again, if we had more time, we could discuss it at more length. Digital space, an issue that was raised. We can link this to the artificial intelligence. We're working on it, but it's a very difficult issue because things change so fast, but we're working on it. How to provide remedies to victims? It is beyond us. We make suggestions, we make recommendations, But it's up to the States Parties and authorities to decide. Finally, I would like to thank Colombia for having recently acceded to the Article 14 on individual communications, which increased the number of States Parties to 60. Thank you very much.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:56:57]:

Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Coote. I next give the floor to the Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


IGWG · IGWG · Chair-Rapporteur [1:57:11]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chairperson. Noting that we may be pressed for time, first, I want to thank all delegations for their very kind words towards me, which I receive with much humility. I also want to thank delegations for your active and consistent engagement with mechanisms, and this is both here in New York, but more so in Geneva, where we sit. We are discussing very sensitive matters in a very difficult period. I think we keep saying that, but we will continue to forge on despite any of the setbacks. Perhaps just to say that what will help us and what will help us strengthen The implementation mechanism is exactly what we are doing here today, which is strengthening multilateralism and dialogue between ourselves to also enable us to deal with the contemporary manifestations and consequences of past crimes. The Declaration, as has always been said, does not seek to create any new rights for persons of African descent, but simply to reinforce effective protection and promotion of human rights that have been denied for centuries to a group that remains most marginalized. It's essential that in the negotiation period, the process that all states are had, which we do, including non-governmental organizations. And through this dialogue, it is my fervent hope and prayer that we will present a text that is consensual as much as is possible. And I want to thank all of you for that. There was a specific question that was asked about how to move forward. We do understand that there's chronic underfunding for every human rights mechanism. So with that, we are trying to be a little bit more creative by conducting as many informal discussions and meetings within and without the United Nations space, just to try and crystallize down on language and especially around topics that may be difficult to assess. Now, time and time again, and this has been said by very many of member states here today, is the issue of reparatory justice. I think we need to have a comprehensive approach that is grounded in international humanitarian and human rights law, but also remember that, unfortunately, Reparations is not only compensatory, monetary compensation as sometimes is done. There's a whole range of terms and there's a whole range of acts that tend towards reparations that you know yourself. This is about restitution and non-guarantees of reoccurrence, rehabilitation. You know them amongst ourselves. So let's not get bogged down by the notion that reparations is only about money. Because if we do that, then we will miss the point. And the point, as has been said many times, is we need to also start moving from rhetoric to reality. And to do this will entail us having very difficult discussions. But I sometimes say that the best discussions are the difficult ones. But we should not shy off from having an honest conversation about these very difficult things. I think, as was shared, We will continue pushing for reparations and reparatory justice for all crimes in the past, but at the same time do so in a manner that does not alienate any Member State or create a perception of an us versus them discussion. I may have had many things to say, Madam Chair, but also noticing on time, and just once again to thank each and every one of you for making our work count and to So, issue of political will, I think, has been said. I think for political will, I just ask states to adopt the NIKE formula. Just do it. It will be much easier. I thank you that much.


3rd Committee · Chair [2:01:28]:

Thank you very much indeed, Ambassador. I once again thank the speakers for joining the combined briefing, which served to increase the depth of our discussions on the subject matter. The Committee will continue its joint consideration of agenda item 68, entitled "Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance" and its sub-items A and B, and agenda item 69, entitled "Right of peoples to self-determination", this afternoon at 3:00 PM sharp, to hear statements by the special procedures mandate holders and other experts, followed by an interactive dialogue. The meeting is adjourned.