A global call for concrete action for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and
follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
A/RES/73/262
all forms and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and re lated
intolerance for the successful implementation of the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action,
Recalling its resolution 2142 (XXI) of 26 October 1966, in which it proclaimed
21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimin ation,
Recalling also its resolution 62/122 of 17 December 2007, in which it
designated 25 March as the annual International Day of Remembrance of the Victims
of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade,
Recalling further, in the above context, the erection of the permanent memorial
for the victims of slavery and the slave trade, including the transatlantic slave trade,
the Ark of Return, based on the theme “Acknowledge the tragedy, consider the legacy,
lest we forget”,
Welcoming the call upon all the former colonial Powers for reparations,
consistent with paragraphs 157 and 158 of the Durban Programme of Action, to
redress the historical injustices of slavery and the slave trade, including the
transatlantic slave trade,
Recognizing and affirming that the global fight against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and all their abhorrent and
contemporary forms and manifestations is a matter of priority for the international
community,
I
International Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
1.
Reaffirms the paramount importance of universal adherence to and the full
and effective implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Racial Discrimination, 2 adopted by the General Assembly in its
resolution 2106 A (XX) of 21 December 1965, in addressing the scourges of racism
and racial discrimination;
2.
Calls upon States that have not done so to accede to and/or ratify the
Convention, and States parties to consider making the declaration under article 14 of
the Convention, as well as to consider withdrawing reservations to article 4 of the
Convention, as a matter of urgency, in view of the fact that the continued maintenance
of reservations negates the essence of the instrument and defeats its objects and
purposes;
3.
Underlines, in the above context, that the provisions of the Convention do
not respond effectively to contemporary manifestations of racial discrimination, in
particular in relation to xenophobia and related intolerance, which is recognized as
the rationale behind the convening of the World Conference against Racism, Ra cial
Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001;
4.
Takes note of the acknowledgement by the Human Rights Council and its
subsidiary structures of the existence of both procedural and substantive gaps in the
Convention, which must be filled as a matter of urgency, necessity and priority;
5.
Expresses its concern at the lack of progress in the elaboration of
complementary standards to the Convention to fill existing gaps through the
development of new normative standards aimed at combating all forms of
contemporary and resurgent scourges of racism;
__________________
2
18-22644
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 660, No. 9464.
3/7