The 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council

15 June - 7 July 2026

Item 9: ID with SR on Racism

2 July 2026

Joint Oral Statement of EFORD and GICJ

Delivered by Mihretab Mekonnen Beyene /GICJ

I am speaking this joint statement on behalf of NGOs with a long-standing record of campaigning against racism. We welcome this interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on racism, appreciate the engagement with civil society and the reports from the mandate.

In a landscape marked by rising xenophobic discourse, attacks on migrants and refugees, and growing intolerance—including Islamophobi , Afrophobia, and racism in sports—this mandate is essential. We must continue monitoring these trends and actively engage with States to ensure reforms regarding these human rights violations.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), the importance of informing on its content cannot be neglected. As highlighted by this mandate and the Council, the lack of public knowledge regarding the DDPA constitutes a serious obstacle to its implementation, for an instrument that is not known cannot be fully realized.

We face a collective challenge to ensure the 25th anniversary becomes a turning point for restoring broad public and political support for the DDPA and mobilizing for its full and effective implementation. We invite the Special Rapporteur to take a lead role, alongside States and committed civil society, in the mobilization for the success of this 25th anniversary to ensure it contributes to meaningful progress in the global effort against all forms of racial discrimination.

Thank you.