DEC/15/117 Nelson Mandela International Day

GE.10-16777

Human Rights Council Fifteenth session Agenda item 9 Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

Decision adopted by the Human Rights Council*

15/117 Nelson Mandela International Day

At its 34th meeting, on 1 October 2010, the Human Rights Council decided to adopt the following text:

“The Human Rights Council,

Recognizing the long history of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s leading role in and support for Africa’s struggle for liberation and Africa’s unity, and his outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa,

Recognizing also Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, as a humanitarian, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities,

Welcoming General Assembly resolution 64/13 of 10 November 2009, in which the Assembly proclaimed 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2010,

Welcoming also General Assembly resolution 64/169 of 18 December 2009, in which the Assembly proclaimed 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent,

* The resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council will be contained in the report of

the Council on its fifteenth session (A/HRC/15/60), chap. I.

Concerned by continued acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and recognizing the need to focus the world's attention on building greater resolve and enduring political will to halt the scourges, wherever they may occur,

1. Decides to hold, at its eighteenth session, a high-level panel discussion to reflect on current human rights situations worldwide with regard to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, drawing inspiration from the example of Nelson Mandela for promoting and protecting human rights without distinction as to race, colour or national or ethnic origin;

2. Also decides that the panel discussion will focus on the promotion and protection of human rights through tolerance and reconciliation;

3. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to take the necessary measures to observe Nelson Mandela International Day;

4. Encourages all States Members of the United Nations and relevant stakeholders to engage fully in the panel discussion with a view to guarantee an appropriate balance and diversity of views on the issue.”

34th meeting 1 October 2010

[Adopted without a vote.]