HRC59: Intersectionality from a Racial Justice Perspective

The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council

16 June - 9 July 2025

Item 9: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Racism

3 July 2025

By Jamel Nampijja / GICJ

Executive Summary

Ms. K. P. Ashwini, the Special Rapporteur (SR) on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, presented three reports during the Interactive Dialogue held on 3 July 2025, at the 27th and 28th meetings of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council.

The first Report focused on the County Visit to Brazil, highlighting systemic racism and the urgent need for reparative justice for Afro-Brazilian communities, Indigenous peoples, and other marginalised groups affected by historical injustices.

The second Report explored intersectionality as a crucial framework for achieving racial justice. It emphasised that tackling racism requires understanding its intersection with other forms of discrimination, including gender, disability, and migration status, and called for this approach to be integrated into laws and policies.

The third Report criticised the glorification of Nazism as a legal and moral imperative, documenting the rise of neo-Nazi ideologies and urging Member States to strengthen legal measures to combat such extremist views.

During the dialogue, representatives from various Member States and civil society organisations engaged with the reports, emphasising the importance of an intersectional approach to effectively address discrimination and xenophobia. They also highlighted progress in implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) while noting ongoing challenges. 

Representatives called for stronger legal protections against far-right extremism and better data collection to support evidence-based policies. Civil society groups urged prioritising intersectionality in human rights obligations and emphasised the need for public education to effect meaningful change.

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) supports the Special Rapporteur's reports and emphasises that achieving racial justice requires a transformative, intersectional approach that addresses interconnected systems of inequality. GICJ calls on Member States, UN bodies, and civil society to treat intersectionality as essential to fulfilling international human rights commitments.

Background 

The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance is an independent human rights expert appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. This mandate is one of 56 special procedures of the Council.

Established by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 1993 through its predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights, the mandate was created by Resolution 1993/20 to address ongoing and emerging issues related to racism and intolerance worldwide. In 1994, the mandate was further clarified by Resolution 1994/64.

Based at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, the Special Rapporteur is responsible for monitoring and reporting on manifestations of racism and discrimination globally, including engaging with governments and civil society to promote the elimination of such practices. 

The mandate involves conducting country visits, preparing thematic studies, and submitting reports to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. Its primary objective is to support the implementation of international human rights standards aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all their forms.

Additionally, the Special Rapporteur's focus includes addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance against Africans and persons of African descent, Arabs and Muslims, Asians and persons of Asian descent, migrants and non-nationals, individuals belonging to indigenous peoples and minorities, and all other victims identified in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur provides recommendations to Member States, UN bodies, and civil society on policy, legislation, and institutional reforms aimed at combating racism and promoting equality.

In October 2022, Dr. K.P. Ashwini from India was appointed as the 6th Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance by the Council. She began her role on 1 November 2022. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur was most recently renewed for a period of three years by Human Rights Council resolution 52/36, adopted on 4 April 2023.

Interactive Dialogue 

Reports of the Special Rapporteur 

A/HRC/59/62/Add.1: Country visit to Brazil

The Special Rapporteur, Ms. K.P. Ashwini, commenced the interactive dialogue by presenting the findings of her official visit to Brazil, which took place from 5 August to 14, 2024. During the visit, she travelled to Brasília, Salvador, São Luís, São Paulo, Florianópolis, and Rio de Janeiro.

Ms. Ashwini commended Brazil for recognising racism as a systemic phenomenon and for institutionalising anti-discrimination efforts, notably through the creation of the Ministries of Racial Equality and Indigenous Peoples. Other commendable steps include the development of a national policy for Roma persons and the implementation of robust affirmative action programmes to enhance access for marginalised racial and ethnic groups to higher education and public sector employment.

Despite these efforts, her Report concluded that systemic racism remains deeply entrenched across Brazilian society. She also drew attention to the intersectional nature of discrimination in Brazil, highlighting how individuals belonging to more than one marginalised identity group, particularly women of African descent, Indigenous women, and those from religious minorities, are subjected to compounded forms of systemic exclusion and inequality.

Key manifestations identified include violations of Indigenous and Quilombola land rights, racialised violence in law enforcement, disparities within the criminal justice system, and discrimination against marginalised women. Additional manifestations noted in the Report include religious intolerance targeting African traditional religions, xenophobic stereotyping and hate speech, and a troubling rise in neo-Nazi groups, which pose an escalating threat to Brazil's multicultural and democratic fabric.

She stressed that racism in Brazil is not merely a contemporary issue. However, a deeply embedded structural reality that has persisted since the formation of the Brazilian state, shaped by centuries of colonialism, legalised enslavement, and authoritarian rule under military dictatorship. Systemic racial discrimination and racialised violence appear to be defining features of life for many racially and ethnically marginalised groups in Brazil.

Furthermore, Ms. Ashwini called for a reparatory justice approach, calling on the Brazilian government to address the historical roots and power structures underpinning contemporary racism. She urged the allocation of significant additional resources to anti-discrimination initiatives, reparations for historical harms, and acceleration towards substantive racial equality. Her Report offered detailed recommendations to both the government and other stakeholders, urging the full implementation of her findings, alongside those of various mechanisms, including the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Human Rights Committee, and the Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement.

A/HRC/59/62: Intersectionality in Racial Justice

The second Report presented focused on intersectionality from a racial justice perspective, a central theme during her tenure that was previously introduced at the Human Rights Council's 53rd session.

Drawing on her personal experiences and academic background, Ms. Ashwini described intersectionality as both an analytical and political framework that originated from the work of Kimberlé Crenshaw, an African American civil rights advocate and a scholar of critical race theory, who first coined the term, used it to illustrate the compounded effects of race and gender discrimination on Black women. Additionally, she explained how the concept has evolved globally, with further contributions from Dalit, Indigenous, Muslim, Roma, Arab, and Palestinian scholars and activists.

The Report critiqued traditional approaches to discrimination that focus on single axes of identity and argues that an intersectional lens is essential to understanding and addressing the complexities of marginalisation fully. Ms. Ashwini highlighted that women of African descent, caste-oppressed communities, Roma, Arab, Muslim, Palestinian women, and other vulnerable individuals are disproportionately affected by multiple, intersecting forms of discrimination. The lack of intersectionality in policy-making and legal protections exacerbates these issues.

The Special Rapporteur outlined six core elements necessary for an effective intersectional approach:

1. A systemic racial and historical analysis of discrimination;
2. Centering the diverse lived experiences of affected communities;
3. Ensuring complete and meaningful representation and participation;
4. Developing and using disaggregated and intersectional data;
5. Recognising multiple forms of discrimination within national legal frameworks; and
6. Providing appropriate intersectional remedies that address layered identities and injustices.

Moreover, the Report included an analysis of international human rights law obligations, focusing on the duty of states to prevent, address, and remedy multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination. She also summarised evidence gathered through public submissions detailing instances of such discrimination across various countries and regions.

Ms. Ashwini concluded that intersectionality is a crucial tool for dismantling the structural drivers of inequality and marginalisation. She emphasised that states, particularly those that have historically benefited from colonialism, transatlantic slavery, and imperialism, must take the lead in implementing structural and reparatory justice measures. This includes not only redress for historical harms, but also a sustained effort to dismantle the persistent racial hierarchies and unequal power structures rooted in that legacy.

A/HRC/59/63: Combating the Glorification of Nazism

This Report focused on combating the glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism, and related ideologies, as submitted under General Assembly Resolution 78/160. 

Ms. Ashwini expressed concern over the rising influence of far-right, racist, and nationalist political parties and movements across various countries. She warned that these groups pose a significant threat to racial justice, democratic values, and social cohesion.

The Report drew upon submissions from both states and civil society, referencing key legal instruments, including Articles 2(1) and 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as prohibitions on incitement to racial hatred under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Her recommendations to Member States included:

1. Strengthening national legal frameworks to criminalise hate speech and incitement to hatred;
2. Developing national action plans to combat racism and extremist ideologies;
3. Investing in education and public awareness campaigns to challenge racial stereotypes and promote diversity;
4. Improving the collection of disaggregated data on hate crimes and hate speech; and
5. Fully implementing existing obligations under CERD and other international instruments.

She reaffirmed the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) as a cornerstone in the global effort to eliminate racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance. She urged States to recommit to these principles, which include education, accountability, and the full protection of racialised communities against hate-fueled ideologies.

Additionally, she called on civil society organisations and national human rights institutions to enhance their support for victims, promote inclusive narratives, and foster intergroup solidarity. The Report stressed the urgent need for proactive, coordinated, and rights-based actions to counter the global resurgence of fascist ideologies and racially motivated violence.

Statement of Country Concerned 

The Representative of Brazil reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to combat all forms of racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The representative expressed appreciation for the Special Rapporteur's visit and Report, outlining a wide range of recent policy initiatives and structural reforms aimed at promoting racial justice and equality in Brazil.

The representative highlighted the implementation of the National Policy for the Promotion of Racial Equality, which seeks to address historical inequalities and foster the inclusion of racial minorities in all sectors of society. He acknowledged that structural and institutional racism continues to affect vulnerable and marginalised communities and stressed that sustainable development must include the elimination of all forms of inequality.

In a significant development, the representative affirmed the introduction of a voluntary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 18) dedicated explicitly to achieving ethnic and racial equality in the country. Additional programs, such as the Ruling to Genie GR Aviva, aim to reduce vulnerabilities faced by Black youth and combat lethal violence linked to systemic racism. Strategic partnerships have also been established to address the root causes of racial vulnerability, including reforms in drug policy.

In addition, the government reported on pilot initiatives focused on supporting victims of state violence, such as the program for mothers and families of victims, launched in states like Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. Progress has also been made in police oversight, including the implementation of new regulations on the use of force and the deployment of body cameras to enhance accountability.

Access to justice has been identified as a critical pillar of the national racial justice agenda. Brazil highlighted its efforts to strengthen preventive measures, provide reparations, and implement legal reforms - all within a broader commitment to truth, justice, and reparations for victims of racialised state violence.

Concerning affirmative action, a revised quota law has expanded access to higher and technical education in federal institutions, broadly encompassing beneficiaries from Quilombola communities. The government also launched a National Policy Plan for Roma People, aimed at improving infrastructure, housing, education, and awareness of Roma history and culture.

Further institutional actions include the creation of the Stylist Pimenta Technical Working Group, which delivered a draft bill and a national protection plan for human rights defenders, communicators, and environmentalists, focusing on state protection, popular mobilisation, access to rights, and the fight against impunity.

The representative further stated that in 2023, Brazil completed the homologation of 13 Indigenous lands and issued 11 land boundary declarations. He confirmed the government's opposition to the controversial Marco Temporal doctrine, which is currently under constitutional review, and noted the resumption of Quilombola land titling. The Achill Ombre Brazil Program was also mentioned for its intersectoral support of Quilombola territorial and environmental management.

Notably, the 2022 national census officially recognised the Quilombola population as an ethnic group for the first time.

He also addressed gender-based violence, highlighting the Brazil Without Misogyny Initiative and the National Pact for the Prevention of Femicides. These initiatives include targeted measures for Indigenous women, rural women, and those living in high-risk areas as part of a broader national strategy to combat violence against women.

Statement by Other Countries and Groups

The representative of Jamaica, speaking on behalf of the CARICOM Group in Geneva, noted the Report's particular focus on adopting an intersectional approach to discrimination, which the representative said requires the identification and disruption of the power structures and systems of privilege that have often been shaped by colonialism and enslavement.

The representative acknowledged reparatory justice as a crucial means of addressing systemic racism and intersectional discrimination. Additionally, she reiterated that states that have historically benefited the most from colonialism and enslavement must take responsibility for investing in comprehensive and structural reparatory justice initiatives. These initiatives should address historical wrongs and their ongoing consequences.

Furthermore, the representative strongly emphasised the importance of providing adequate and sustained financing for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent. She stressed that for the Decade to bring about real and transformative change, it must be fully implemented across its three thematic pillars: recognition, justice, and development. 

In addition, she expressed that reparations are not a separate or optional consideration but are intrinsically linked to each of these pillars. She stated that reparations is recognition; reparations is justice; and reparations is development. The representative reaffirmed that reparatory justice must be at the core of global efforts to address the historical and systemic injustices faced by people of African descent.

The representative of Sweden, speaking on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, expressed concern at the global rise in hate crimes. He acknowledged the seriousness of these developments but cautioned against the politicisation of the term "combating Nazism" by States with ulterior motives. The representative stressed that any such misuse undermines the broader and essential struggle against this heinous ideology. 

Addressing the issue of racism and intersectionality, the representative agreed with the Special Rapporteur's assessment that discrimination does not occur along a single axis. Instead, various and intersecting forms of discrimination often interact, leading to distinct, unique, and compounded experiences for individuals and communities.

However, the representative stressed the importance of applying the intersectional framework in a way that protects and enhances existing human rights norms. These norms, including individual human rights, the right to non-discrimination, equal treatment under the law, and freedom of expression, were established to safeguard against oppression and promote equality, justice, and human dignity. Upholding these principles is essential for the international community to effectively address both historical and contemporary injustices as well as structural exploitation.

The representative of the European Union (EU) expressed deep concern over the reported increase in racially motivated hate crimes. She reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance through a strong legal and policy framework.

The representative stated that at the core of this framework is the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan, which aims to create a Union of Equality by addressing structural racism and fostering inclusive societies. She emphasised that adopting an intersectional approach is essential for understanding and responding to the various and complex forms of racism experienced by individuals and communities.

Additionally, the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan explicitly includes an intersectional perspective, recognising how different forms of discrimination can intersect and exacerbate structural inequalities. This approach is designed to ensure more effective and targeted responses. The Plan supports Member States in developing their national anti-racism action plans, encourages the systematic collection of equality data, and assists with civil society initiatives.

Furthermore, the European Commission has committed to a new and strengthened anti-racism strategy beyond 2025, ensuring sustained and long-term progress in the fight against racism and discrimination.

The representative concluded by addressing the Special Rapporteur directly, requesting that she share examples of best practices for integrating an intersectional approach in efforts to combat racism.

The representative of Pakistan speaking on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed deep concern about the ongoing systemic and institutionalised discrimination faced by ethnic and religious minorities in various parts of the world. The representative noted that while the Report addressed multiple forms of racism, there is an expectation for a stronger emphasis on Islamophobia as a contemporary form of racial and religious discrimination.

He welcomed the Report's acknowledgement that religion can exacerbate experiences of discrimination. However, he emphasised that the global rise in anti-Muslim hatred requires urgent and focused attention. The representative reminded all states of their obligations under international law, including relevant resolutions from the Human Rights Council, to combat all forms of religious intolerance, specifically highlighting Islamophobia as a pressing issue.

Recognising the increasing complexity of challenges posed by intersecting forms of discrimination, the representative urged States to address these issues with care and nuance. He also reiterated the call for the full implementation of the Durban Programme of Action (DDPA), including the finalisation of complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Additionally, the representative acknowledged the assertions made in the Special Rapporteur's Report regarding the heightened risks faced by Palestinian women and girls. The representative emphasised the severe human rights violations and deepening economic and social marginalisation experienced by Palestinian women, which are perpetuated by prolonged foreign occupation, exclusionary policies, and collective punishment.

Furthermore, the representative stressed that the dire situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory illustrates the intersecting impacts of religious, racial, and ethnic discrimination, reinforcing entrenched and systemic patterns of injustice.

The representative of Ghana, speaking on behalf of the Africa Group, reaffirmed that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance are rooted in factors such as race, colour, descent, and national or ethnic origin. The representative emphasised that victims of these forms of discrimination often face multiple or aggravated forms of discrimination based on intersecting factors, including sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, social origin, property, birth, or other status.

The representative stressed that the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) should serve as a timely reminder for the international community to renew its commitment and demonstrate the necessary political will to combat racism in all its forms.

He also expressed strong support for several key recommendations aimed at addressing systemic racism and racial discrimination. These recommendations included enhancing efforts to implement national laws and policies that effectively tackle discrimination and encouraging UN human rights mechanisms and other relevant UN entities to provide targeted assistance and appropriate forms of support to states.

The representative additionally urged states and relevant international actors to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate multidimensional approaches to combat systemic racism and racial discrimination. He particularly highlighted the importance of taking all possible steps within available resources to address the diverse and specific forms of discrimination experienced by individuals and groups affected by systemic racism and intersectional discrimination, especially those from the Global South.

The representative of Bahrain, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, emphasised the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that addresses all forms of discrimination while providing protection and support to vulnerable groups.

She reiterated its firm stance against all manifestations of racism and racial discrimination. The representative reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. She also expressed concern about the increasing instances and worsening of racial discrimination across all regions of the world.

The representative condemned what she described as flagrant violations committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, including acts that amount to apartheid and the arbitrary denial of national identity.

Additionally, she emphasised the necessity of prohibiting any incitement to religious hatred, racism, or nationalism that leads to violence and discrimination. In addition, the representative firmly rejected the use of accusations of anti-Semitism as a pretext to silence advocates for the rights of the Palestinian people.

The representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) highlighted that during the 107th session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), United Nations experts, including Ms. Anima Lee, urged the United States to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate its deeply rooted racism. 

He stated that racial discrimination in the United States has become an institutional phenomenon, with a significant number of non-white individuals reportedly suffering from violence and other forms of crime.

The representative pointed out that over thirty years have passed since the United States ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Despite this, no significant progress has been made in ensuring the human rights of non-white populations domestically.

Additionally, he urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into what it described as systematic, widespread, and severe human rights violations and atrocities amounting to crimes against humanity. These include racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and hate crimes committed in the United States and other Western countries.

The representative of the Russian Federation noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism. However, the representative expressed deep regret that not all countries have successfully eradicated the legacies of Nazi ideology and militarism. He asserted that in several nations, many of which present themselves as champions of democracy and human rights, an ideology rooted in national and racial supremacy has been elevated to the status of state policy. This, the representative argued, is supported by cartel-like legal frameworks and enforced through repressive mechanisms.

The representative condemned what it described as a "war against memorials" dedicated to those who fought against Nazism and fascism during the Second World War. He expressed concern over the resurgence of rhetoric reminiscent of National Socialist slogans in contemporary political discourse.

Furthermore, he expressed support for the Special Rapporteur's call for countries to honour their international obligations to combat crimes motivated by racial hatred and incitement to violence. Furthermore, he echoed the recommendation for states to lift reservations to Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which pertains to the criminalisation of hate speech and racist propaganda.

Moreso, the representative called for full accountability and the criminal prosecution of all crimes rooted in racial hatred and discrimination.

The representative of the State of Palestine stated that the situation in Gaza goes beyond a mere humanitarian crisis; it represents a crucial test of a global system that was supposedly established to prevent atrocity crimes. After more than 20 months of a deliberate blockade and the use of starvation as a weapon of war, along with the erasure of future generations, one undeniable truth remains: Israel is committing genocide.

This grave reality, the representative stressed, is not confined to Gaza alone. Throughout all of Palestine, Israel is imposing a system of apartheid that fragments, segregates, and discriminates against Palestinians based on their ethnicity. This systemic oppression is not an accident; it is an integral part of a settler-colonial project designed to subjugate an entire people permanently. 

The representative criticised the complicity of several member states that continue to shield Israel from accountability while simultaneously advocating for human rights for others. This double standard, it is argued, not only entrenches impunity but also undermines the credibility of international law. The distortion of legal frameworks where anti-Semitism is conflated with legitimate Palestinian solidarity distorts justice and harms both Palestinians and Jewish communities.

Furthermore, the representative urged that, to restore any semblance of justice, the international community must stop evading its responsibilities and confront the colonial legacies and racial hierarchies that determine who is protected and who is deemed expendable.

While acknowledging that the system has failed, she acknowledged that it is not too late to act if the international community chooses courage over complicity.

The representative of Pakistan expressed deep concern over the growing manifestations of racism worldwide and emphasised the urgent need for a global response to these issues. The representative highlighted the ongoing rise of racial discrimination, Islamophobia, and religious hatred as reprehensible expressions rooted in ingrained and systemic racist attitudes.

The representative addressed the alarming increase in anti-Muslim sentiment and Islamophobic narratives in India, describing the country as a "crucible of hate" fueled by ideologies and misinformation. He condemned state-sponsored hostility against Muslims, noting that such hatred is no longer confined to occupied Kashmir or within India's borders. Moreover, he pointed out the collusion between mainstream media and the state, exemplified by the lack of accountability when a visiting foreign minister from a Muslim country was publicly vilified without any legal consequences.

Additionally, the representative condemned recent cross-border attacks motivated by hatred, including the deliberate targeting of mosques within Pakistan, framing these incidents as symptoms of a broader problem of hatred. Furthermore, he denounced the brutal repression of dissent in occupied Jammu and Kashmir against the racist and exclusionary policies of the Indian occupation regime, including the arbitrary application of laws.

The representative welcomed the insights of the Special Rapporteur and requested her views on how politics of hatred and racist ideologies transcend borders, threaten regional stability, and jeopardise the enjoyment of human rights for all peoples in the region.

The representative of Eritrea stressed the importance of holding honest, unfiltered conversations about racism and discrimination. The representative noted with concern that year after year, the discussions on these issues tend to sound the same; filled with denunciations of racism and reaffirmations of commitment, yet producing very little in terms of real change or progress.

The representative pointed to the harsh realities faced by marginalised communities today. She highlighted the ongoing attempts to eliminate entire populations, the disproportionate maternal mortality faced by Black women in Western countries due to medical negligence, and the discriminatory treatment of people fleeing conflict who are often reduced to second-class citizens upon arrival in host countries. These, they argued, are not abstract concerns, but lived realities experienced by millions.

The representative criticised the persistent gap between international declarations and actual practice, pointing out that the mechanisms often praised, such as programmes, action plans, consultations, and working groups, have been in place for decades. However, the lived experience of racism remains essentially unchanged. She stressed that many of the necessary steps to dismantle systemic racism have already been clearly outlined in numerous UN reports and processes.

Additionally, she stated that if the international community is serious about confronting systemic racism, it must stop hiding behind rhetorical commitments and instead begin delivering accountable, measurable outcomes. Words, they emphasised, must be matched with real, transformative action that centres the voices and experiences of those most affected.

Statements by NGOs and Civil Society 

Civil society organisations presented a diverse range of statements addressing both persistent and emerging forms of racism and discrimination worldwide. Several NGOs commended the Special Rapporteur's intersectional approach, which particularly highlighted issues of caste, gender, and poverty-related marginalisation in South Asia, as well as structural racism in Brazil. They highlighted systemic police brutality, medical neglect, and the marginalisation of Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities.

Organisations also noted the compounded discrimination faced by Black individuals with disabilities and called for inclusive education, independent living, and targeted public policies. They urged addressing environmental racism and protecting Indigenous land rights in Brazil before COP30.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the resurgence of neo-Nazi movements and online hate propaganda, particularly in Western nations. They condemned Israel's apartheid policies against Palestinians. They called for stronger measures to combat digital hate, promote racial justice, and uphold the rights of marginalised communities, emphasising the need to dismantle colonial legacies within modern institutions.

Closing Statement by the Special Rapporteur

The Special Rapporteur welcomed commitments from several States to adopt intersectional approaches in their legislation and policy frameworks, emphasising that these are crucial for tackling urgent challenges identified in her reports.

She highlighted a disturbing trend; when structural inequality remains unaddressed, it leads to rising hate, systemic violence, and the exclusion of racially and ethnically marginalised groups. Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia are complex and increasingly normalised issues, as illustrated in her findings.

The rise in racially motivated hate crimes and incidents of anti-semitism and Islamophobia is alarming. The normalisation of far-right ideologies in public discourse and declining content moderation on social media further complicate the situation, especially for young people vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

She urged Member States to reaffirm their legal obligations and implement coordinated national responses to hate, while still protecting freedom of expression. She emphasised the need for effective regulation of online platforms, including accountability for hate speech and algorithmic spread of harmful ideologies.

Moreover, she called for the criminalisation of acts that glorify racism and incite racial hatred, as well as the establishment of national action plans to combat racism and far-right extremism. Systematic collection of disaggregated data on hate crimes and hate speech is also essential.

In addressing best practices for intersectional approaches and reparatory justice, she reiterated the necessity of reforming legislative and educational frameworks. Intersectionality must be embedded in laws and policies, ensuring that marginalised groups are meaningfully included in the policy-making process.

Additionally, legal frameworks should reflect lived experiences, incorporating anti-discrimination laws and special measures such as affirmative action. Data systems must capture disaggregated data across various axes, combining quantitative and qualitative findings to inform policy.

Lastly, the Special Rapporteur underscored the importance of implementing reparatory justice mechanisms to address the roots of racial and structural discrimination. She concluded by stating that it is time to move from acknowledgement to action, emphasising that fundamental change is essential for the credibility of the international community.

Right of Reply 

The representative of India exercised the right of reply, condemning what he called another "baseless and malicious" statement from Pakistan. He accused Pakistan of misusing UN platforms to spread falsehoods and insisted that Pakistan is the epicentre of cross-border terrorism. The representative highlighted the massacre of Indian tourists on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, characterising it as a terrorist attack by Pakistani operatives and condemning it to the UN Security Council. 

The representative rejected Pakistan's claims regarding its counter-terrorism operations as aggressive, asserting that Pakistan, which honours UN-designated terrorists with state funerals, has no right to criticise others on peace or human rights. 

Furthermore, the representative also noted systemic persecution of minorities in Pakistan and claimed that the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir stems from Pakistan's export of terrorism. He urged Pakistan to stop its attempts to vilify India and focus on its own human rights record.

In response, the representative of Pakistan labelled India as a "rogue state," accusing it of violating international law and committing human rights violations, including demolishing homes and attacking civilians. The representative criticised India for inciting communal hatred and destabilising the region, mentioning its alleged efforts to cut off water supplies.

The representative accused India of sponsoring terrorism within Pakistan and suppressing dissent. He highlighted the death of Mr. Hidayat Tuleja Mode, a government officer killed in Balochistan, allegedly by terrorists supported by India, describing him as a symbol of hope for Pakistan's youth. Pakistan concluded by asserting its readiness to respond to any threats posed by India or its proxies.

Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the Report of the Special Rapporteur on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Forms of Intolerance. GICJ especially appreciates the strong emphasis on intersectionality not merely as a theoretical concept, but as a practical and structural necessity for dismantling systemic racism.

As the report clearly states, racism does not operate in isolation. It is intertwined with other forms of discrimination, including those based on gender, caste, ethnicity, migration status, religion, disability, and socioeconomic marginalisation. These overlapping systems create entrenched inequalities that cannot be addressed through single-axis frameworks.

Achieving racial justice involves more than simply addressing racism alone; it requires a transformative intersectional approach that addresses interconnected systems of inequality. Therefore, GICJ urges Member States, UN bodies, and civil society to recognise intersectionality as essential to upholding international human rights obligations. This includes legally acknowledging multiple, intersecting forms of discrimination and ensuring that this framework informs all aspects of policy-making, implementation, and redress.

Additionally, GICJ is concerned about the rise of ethnonationalist ideologies, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, and caste-based oppression, all of which are exacerbated by unchecked hate speech and algorithmic amplification on digital platforms. The Special Rapporteur's recommendations for binding regulations, robust content moderation, and corporate accountability are both necessary and urgent. Digital spaces must not become safe havens for racially motivated violence and hate.

Furthermore, GICJ supports the Rapporteur's call for reparatory justice. The persistence of racial and caste inequalities today cannot be separated from histories of colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and systemic exclusion. Reparations must be structural, not symbolic, and should include policy, legal, educational, and economic measures developed in close partnership with affected communities.

Equally essential is the systematic collection of disaggregated data; without this, structural racism remains invisible and unaccountable. States must prioritise data that reflects the lived experiences of individuals affected by intersecting forms of discrimination, using this information to inform transformative, rights-based responses.

Additionally, GICJ urges all States to move beyond mere rhetorical commitments and implement the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur with the seriousness they deserve. The credibility of the international human rights system depends on the world’s ability to confront the most enduring and interconnected forms of injustice.