Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism

Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

Purpose of mandate

Millions of human beings continue to be the victims of varied forms of racism, racial discrimination, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and related intolerance. These scourges not only persist, they are continually assuming new forms. The mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism was created to intensify international efforts to combat these violations of basic human rights.

In this role, the Special Rapporteur transmits urgent appeals and communications to States regarding alleged violations of international human rights law; undertakes fact-finding country visits; and submits reports to the UN Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.

About the mandate

The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism is an independent human rights expert appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. The mandate was created in 1993 by its predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights (by resolution 1993/20). In 1994, the mandate was defined more precisely by resolution 1994/64.

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur was most recently renewed for another period of three years by Human Rights Council resolution 52/36, adopted on 4 April 2023.

More about the Mandate on contemporary forms of racism

About the Special Rapporteur

Ms. Ashwini K.P. (India) was appointed by the Council as the 6th Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in October 2022. She took up her functions on 1 November 2022.

Read Ms. Ashwini K.P.’s biography