29 May 1991

10th plenary meeting

Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1990/49 of 25 March 1990,

Reaffirming the purpose set forth in the Charter of the United Nations of achieving international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,

Recalling the proclamation by the General Assembly, in its resolution 38/14 of 22 November 1983, of the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination,

Recalling also the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 38/14 and contained in the annex thereto, to achieve the objectives of the Second Decade,

Reaffirming the plan of activities for the period 1990-1993, to be implemented by the Secretary-General in accordance with General Assembly resolution 42/47 of 30 November 1987, to which it is annexed, and recalling the activities that were proposed for the period 1985-1989,

Conscious of the responsibility conferred upon it by the General Assembly for coordinating and, in particular, evaluating the activities undertaken in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade,

Bearing in mind, in particular, its mandate under General Assembly resolution 41/94 of 4 December 1986 to submit to the Assembly, during the period of the Second Decade, annual reports on the activities undertaken or contemplated to achieve the objectives of the Second Decade,

Having examined the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade,

Noting that, despite the efforts of the international community, the principal objectives of the first Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and the first years of the Second Decade have not been attained, and that millions of human beings continue to be victims of varied forms of racism, racial discrimination and apartheid,

Taking note of the Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa, adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution S-16/1 of 2 February 1990,

Noting with deep concern the decisions of certain Governments to relax the existing measures even before apartheid is eradicated and a non-racial democratic society is established in South Africa,

Expressing deep concern that the lack of resolve on the part of the South African regime to end the violence in that country could lead to further escalation of tension and loss of more lives,

Stressing the need to continue the coordination of activities undertaken by various United Nations bodies and specialized agencies for the purpose of implementing the Programme of Action for the Second Decade,

1. Reaffirms the importance of achieving the objectives of the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination;

2. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, in particular the recommendations contained therein;

3. Calls upon the South African regime to exercise its responsibility to end the violence in that country and thus sustain the emerging political climate, which has the potential to create conditions that are conducive to the abolition of the system of apartheid;

4. Calls upon Governments to encourage positive change in South Africa based on the guidelines set out in the Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa, in particular by maintaining existing measures against South Africa until there is clear evidence of profound and irreversible change;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue with the implementation of the activities for the period 1990-1993, and further requests him to continue to accord the highest priority to measures to combat apartheid;

6. Invites all Governments to take or continue to take all necessary measures to combat all forms of racism and racial discrimination and to support the work of the Second Decade by making contributions to the Trust Fund for the Programme for the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, in order to ensure further implementation of the activities for the Second Decade;

7. Welcomes the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families by the General Assembly in resolution 45/158 of 18 December 1990;

8. Also welcomes the proclamation of the International Year for the World's Indigenous People by the General Assembly in resolution 45/164 of 18 December 1990;

9. Reaffirms the need to continue giving particular attention to the specific activities of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade that are directed towards the elimination of apartheid, which is the most destructive and vicious form of institutionalized racism;

10. Also reaffirms the importance of public information activities in combating racism and racial discrimination and in mobilizing public support for the objectives of the Second Decade, and commends the efforts of the Coordinator for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination;

11. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the effective and immediate implementation of the activities proposed for the first half of the Second Decade that have not yet been undertaken;

12. Also requests the Secretary-General, in his reports, to continue to pay special attention to the situation of migrant workers and their families;

13. Reaffirms the need for continued coordination of the full range of programmes being implemented by the United Nations system as they relate to the objectives of the Second Decade;

14. Decides to continue to accord the highest priority each year to the agenda item entitled "Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination".