UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

59^th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

3 July 2024

EU statement

Mr President,

The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for her most recent reports.  

The European Union is deeply worried about the reported increase in racially motivated hate crimes. The EU combats racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance through a robust legal and policy framework. Central to this is the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025, which aims to build a “Union of Equality” by addressing structural racism and promoting inclusive societies. 

An intersectional approach is key to understand and respond to the multiple and complex forms of  racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. That’s why the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan explicitly pursues an intersectional approach that pays attention to the combination of different grounds of discrimination to deepen the understanding of structural racism and to ensure that responses are more effective. It supports Member States in developing national anti‑racism action plans, encourages systematic collection of equality data and supports civil society initiatives. The European Commission has committed to a new, strengthened anti-racism strategy beyond 2025 to ensure sustained progress. 

Madam Special Rapporteur,

Could you share some examples of best practices to integrate an intersectional approach in the combat against racism and other forms of discrimination?