Information for civil society, NGOs and NHRIs

Civil society actors, NGOs and National Human Rights Institutions that work to fight racism have a key role to play in helping the Committee to fulfil its mandate effectively. Their participation in the Committee’s activities is essential to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation in States parties, and of the way they implement the rights and obligations enshrined in the Covenant.

Further information

• Guidelines on the cooperation of CERD with NHRI’s (CERD/C/505/Rev.1)
• Guidelines on the cooperation of CERD with NGO’s (CERD/C/506)
• Guide for Civil Society Actors (2015), produced by IMADR: (PDF)
  English | Français | Español | Italian Italiano
• Follow-up Information on the CERD recommendations - Template for Civil Society Actors (DOC)
  English | Français | Español | Italian Italiano

You can find specific information regarding deadlines, accreditation and the Committee’s programme of work on each session page.

Get involved

You can help us ensure that your country is accountable for eliminating all forms of racism. Here are some ways to participate in the work of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination as it reviews the progress States are making in tackling discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

1. Most States have ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Check when your country is due to be reviewed.
2. Submit a written report to us. You can find guidance on how to do this in the Guide for Civil Society Actors (page 26). Tip: Look at what CERD said in previous reviews, and provide us with updated information.
3. If your NGO can come to Geneva for the review session, there will be meetings with CERD members so you can brief them. Meetings with members can also take place remotely when it is not possible to hold them in Geneva.
4. Publicize and share CERD’s findings, or concluding observations, in your country. These can help you in your advocacy and help you to hold your government accountable.
5. Follow up by letting us know whether CERD’s recommendations are being implemented.
6. Lobby your government if it is late in submitting its report to us, so the review process can continue.
7. Share your success stories with us, like these NGOs in Japan, Norway and the USA.