Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Delegates,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda Item 67: Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

2. We thank the Secretary-General for his reports submitted under this agenda item. We also thank Mr. Mutuma RUTEERE, the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, for his comprehensive report and the presentation he made this morning.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China is seriously concerned about the negative stereotyping against persons based on their religions or belief and the increase in incidents related to religious hatred. We note, however, the decisive steps taken by Member States, the United Nations system and the international community to oppose religious intolerance and to enhance dialogue with the aim of mutual understanding, promoting tolerance and respect of cultural and religious diversity.

4. The Group of 77 and China believes that intercultural dialogue, tolerance, education and respect for cultural, ethnic and religious diversity, as well as raising global awareness about different cultures and religions are crucial for combating the scourge of racism,

5. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms that the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination as well as the outcomes of the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance and the 2009 Durban Review Conference, are the fundamental legal frameworks for the effective elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. In this context, the Group reemphasizes that a resolute and renewed political will, adequate funding as well as sustained international cooperation are indispensable to address all forms and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

6. The Group furthermore believes that with the mobilization of political will at the national, regional and international levels to effectively implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, by our Governments, in concert with all stakeholders, we will be able to truly combat and curb the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in all spheres of life and in all parts of the world, including those under foreign occupation.

7. We also welcome the progress made at the national, regional and international levels in conformity with the obligations and commitments of Durban. However, the scourge of racism still persists in many countries and regions. Therefore, our Group calls upon all stakeholders to take concrete actions and appropriate measures for the full implementation of the Durban Conference and Plan of Action, as well as the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, which constitute the most comprehensive international framework in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and for the strengthening of the follow-up mechanisms.

8. The Group would like to express its appreciation for the continuing work of the mechanisms mandated to follow up the World Conference and emphasizes the importance of providing them with the resources necessary for the effective fulfillment of their mandates. In this regard, we welcome the recently concluded 10th Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group for the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (IGWG), which was held from 8 to 19 October 2012.

9. Following the practice of previous sessions, the Group of 77 and China will table a resolution on the global efforts for the total elimination of racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of the follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. We are looking forward to the valuable contribution and support of all Member States and we hope that this important resolution will be adopted by consensus.

Mr. Chairman,

10. We welcome the decision of the General Assembly to erect at a place of prominence at the United Nations, a permanent memorial to honour the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. In this context, we call upon the international community to ensure that this tragic chapter in history should never again be allowed to occur.

11. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reaffirms its commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action and the outcome of 2009 Durban Review Conference in order to eliminate all forms of discrimination that hinders the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of millions of people around the world.

I thank you.