A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

More than two decades after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, global efforts to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remain as urgent as ever. States are addressing structural inequality and systemic discrimination across sectors such as education, health care, justice, and governance following the commitments outlined in the Durban Declaration. But across regions, systemic gaps remain: many countries still lack comprehensive protection, marginalized communities are excluded from decision-making, and hate speech continues to rise both online and offline. 

National and Regional Action Against Racial Injustice 

States are introducing new legal, institutional, and policy measures to address racial discrimination and uphold the rights of historically marginalized groups. Several countries have enacted anti-discrimination laws, recognized Afrodescendant and Indigenous communities in their constitutions, or launched national strategies to combat racism. At the regional level, the African Commission’s landmark resolution on discrimination based on work and descent and the European Union directive on equality bodies reflect a strengthening of anti-racism norms. In parallel, human rights institutions and equality bodies have expanded their mandates, with some governments creating local committees or public councils to foster participation at the grassroots level. In response to the spread of hate speech, particularly online, new legal frameworks are being developed to address incitement to racial hatred while preserving civic space.  

States are also launching initiatives for reparatory justice and memorialization, including cultural heritage restitution and truth-telling processes. Some have taken steps to increase political representation and civic inclusion, with reforms enabling groups such as Indigenous Peoples and Roma communities to vote, hold decision-making roles, or contribute to national development plans through formal consultation and participatory mechanisms. 

Structural Barriers to Racial Equality 

Efforts to eliminate racism are often undermined by structural inequalities embedded across key sectors. In education, exclusion is perpetuated by discriminatory curricula, inadequate teacher training, and limited recognition of diverse histories and identities. In health care, racial discrimination intersects with poverty and geography, limiting access to services for Indigenous and Afrodescendant populations. Mental health support remains scarce or culturally inappropriate in many settings. Access to justice is also fragmented, with persistent issues such as racial profiling, biased sentencing, and weak oversight in law enforcement systems.  

Furthermore, disaggregated data remains limited, making it difficult to track disparities or design effective interventions, especially for Roma communities, Indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities. While some countries are piloting inclusive policies and reparatory initiatives, these remain the exception rather than the norm. The persistence of such sectoral gaps reflects how deeply racism continues to shape institutional systems and outcomes. 

The Path Forward 

The Secretary-General’s report (A/80/324): A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action documents these developments across legal, institutional, and sectoral levels. While it highlights areas of progress, it also underscores the need for continued action to address root causes and dismantle structural discrimination. Ensuring that racial justice is treated as a core driver of social progress, rather than a secondary concern, remains essential to achieving meaningful and lasting change. 

Read the full report here.