Summary

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Ashwini K.P., examines special measures, which are targeted benefits for underrepresented or marginalized racial and ethnic groups, aimed at achieving substantive equality. The Special Rapporteur notes the significant lack of understanding, awareness and adoption of special measures globally. She reminds States that special measures are an integral component in addressing systemic racial inequalities, which are frequently rooted in historical patterns of enslavement, colonialism and apartheid. The Special Rapporteur offers recommendations to States and other stakeholders to improve the effective implementation of international human rights law obligations r elating to special measures. The Special Rapporteur calls upon States to design special measures on the basis of a robust understanding of systemic racism and disaggregated data; seek the active participation of intended beneficiaries; address intersectional discrimination; accompany special measures with broader anti-racism and equality measures; implement monitoring systems; and avoid the premature withdrawal of special measures. The Special Rapporteur also calls for greater efforts in increasing understanding and awareness of the root causes of systemic racial inequalities and the crucial role of special measures in combating the legacies of historical wrongs. In addition, the Special Rapporteur summarizes the activities that she has undertaken since reporting to the General Assembly in October 2023.