Draft Resolution Global effortsfor the total eliminationof on r a ci sm,ra ci a ld i scri mi nation, xenophobia and r elatedintoler ance and th e co mp re h e n si ve i mplem entation and follow- upto the Dur ban of Declaration and Programof Action EU Explanationof vote (yES) M r .Ch a i rp e rso n , I h a veth e h o n o u to sp e a k n behalf the Eur opean r o of Union. for [alignment mul a]. As this draft resolution comes to action,the EuropeanUnion would like to reiterate our strong commitment to combat all forms of racism, racial d i s cri mi n a ti o n ,n o p h o b ia nd r elated xe a intoler ance. highlight comm itm ent, To this the European u11on has designated 2007 as 'Europe-an year of rquai Opportunities All', as part of a framework for strategy designed ensurethat to discriminationis effectively tackled, diversity i; celebrated and equal opportunities all are promoted. for ln this spirit, EU has repeatedly the stressed thatthe international follow-up the to DurbanDeclaration and Plan of Actionshouldbe agreedupon by consensus. Last year,we were very pleased, was possible reach"n "gr""rent on this it to resolution. we, however,also manifestedour concerns on some issues, particularly a review on planto the DurbanDPAand complementary standards. This year' the Main Sponsorsput forwardfurtherproposals both of these on issues. Even though our concerns still hold, the EU actively engageo in negotiations the Main Sponsors with with the aim of reaching "n'"gr"E*ent. In this regard, wouldliketo pay tribute the workof the CosiaRica-n we to delegation w h o p l a ye d a n i n va l u a b l e ole in facilitating discussions r the and br ingi ng positions together. M r . Ch a i rp e rso n , T h e EU h a s co n ti n u o u slu n der lined y that the follow- up the Dur banDpA i s to alreadyensuredby a numberof mechanisms, which have been carryingout important work. We were able, nonetheless, agreewith the Main Sionsors' to proposal hold,in 2009,a reviewof the implementation the Durban to of DpA. On the basisof OP33 of the resolution and also the views exchanged duringthe negotiations over this draft, it is our understanding that the ieview will be conducted a high-level at meetingin the framework the UNGA and will focus of o n t h e i mp l e me n ta ti o nw h atwas agr eedin Dur ban, f without any r eopeningf o the DPA.lt is alsoour understanding any preparatory that workconducted the by H u m a nR i g h tsC o u n ciw i l l n ot entailthe cr eation any new m echanism, l of but t h a t ,i n ste a dth e H R C w i l l u s e for this end its existing , iollow- up echanisms , m

namelythe Inter-Governmental WorkingGroupon the Effective lmplementation of the DurbanDPA. Regarding complementary standards, EU recalls reportof the Committee the the o n t he E l i mi n a ti o n f R a cial Discr im ination the implementation the o on of Convention, whichstatesthat "lt is a State's failureto ratifyor to implement the Convention, ratherthan gaps in the Convention itself,which is the key issuein combating contemporary the formsof racism." This conclusion fullyin linewith is t h e e a rl i e ra ckn o w l e d g e ment contained the Dur ban Declar ation. in The E U believes that the failureof Statesto implement theirobligations shouldseryeas the guidingprinciple our discussions for about new complementary standards, and callsuponall Statesto ratifyand fullyimplement Convention a matter the as of priority. The Inter-Governmental WorkingGroupmade some progress this issuethis on year, but its greatest achievement was that it was able to presentconsensual conclusions recommendations were also consensually and that endorsed the by HRC at its firstsession. took a lot of work and flexibility lt from delegations from all regions and groups, under the wise and determinedleadeishipof the PermanentRepresentative Chile in Geneva, of Ambassador Juan Martabit, to reach such positive results.We have to respect this work and recall all c o n c l u si o na n d re co mme n dations a whole.The EU tr ulyhopesthat,in line s as w i t h t hi s u n d e rsta n d i nw , m ay continue ge our com m onwor k on the basisof consensus theWorking at Group's fifthsession. M r . C h a i rp e rso n , The EU would like to thank all delegations the flexibility for shown in these negotiations. EU is, once again,in a position vote in support this draft The to of resolution. The EU reiterates firm will to cooperate its with ali delegations in combatingracism and racial discrimination and looks foruuard iontinued to d i s c ussi o na i me d t co n se n sus s a outcomes thisand otherfor a. in T h a n kyo u ,Mr.C h a i rp e rso n.