Decision 9 (53) : . 21/08/98.
A/53/18,para.VIII. (Decision)

Convention Abbreviation: CERD
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Fifty-third session
3-21 August 1998

Decision 9 (53)

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,

Welcoming General Assembly resolution 52/111, by which the Assembly decided to convene a World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance, to be held not later than the year 2001,

Noting Commission on Human Rights resolution 1998/26, in which the Commission invited the Committee to give high priority to the preparatory process for the World Conference and to present to the Commission at its fifty-fifth session and to the Preparatory Committee its contribution to the objectives of the Conference, including undertaking a series of studies, and to participate actively in the preparatory process and in the Conference itself,

1. Welcomes the invitation of the Commission on Human Rights to the Committee, as contained in Commission resolution 1998/26, paragraph 51;

2. Reiterates its readiness to participate in the entire preparatory process for the World Conference and in the Conference itself;

3. Indicates that it has commenced considering suggestions for the agenda of the World Conference and ideas the World Conference may take into consideration in any declaration and programme of action which it may decide to adopt;

4. Is of the view that the agenda could include the following topics: current realities in the aftermath of slavery and colonialism; impact of economic globalization and racial equality; treatment of migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and displaced persons; prevention of racial discrimination, including early warning and urgent procedures; prevention of racial discrimination through education; remedies, redress mechanisms and reparations for racial discrimination; international mechanisms for the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and their progressive development; combating hate speech and promoting tolerance in the digital age; the implications of multiple identities (race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, gender);

5. Emphasizes that these suggestions need further elaboration and that this will be done by the Committee with the view to presenting a document at its session in March 1999.

1303rd meeting

21 August 1998