Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Delegates,

1. I am pleased 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 the reports submitted under this agenda item.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The G77 and China welcomes the convening of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 22 September 2011 and underlines the adoption of the political declaration entitled "United against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance" by consensus.

4. This event provided a timely opportunity to assess the progress made in implementation of the outcomes of the Conference, identify the obstacles and challenges encountered and reaffirm the political will to make the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and the protection of the victims thereof, a high priority for Member States.

5. The Group also welcomes the progress made in many countries and regions in the last decade. However, the scourge of racism still persists. Therefore, the Group of 77 and China calls for the translation of commitments into concrete action and for appropriate measures for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Conference and Plan of Action, as well as the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, which constitutes 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.

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. 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, the Group of 77 and China welcomes the recently concluded 9th Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group for the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (IGWG), which was held from 17- 28 October 2011. The G77 and China notes with appreciation that the Conclusion and Recommendations were adopted by consensus by all the participants involved, especially on the issues of migration, employment, the protection of children and racial discrimination.

8. The Group of 77 and China thinks that intercultural and interreligious dialogue, tolerance, mutual understanding, education and respect for religious, ethnic and cultural diversity are crucial for combating the scourge of racism.

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. 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 emphasizes 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.

12. 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.