GENEVA (31 August 2012) - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on racism, Mutuma Ruteere, will carry out an official visit to Bolivia from 4 to 10 September 2012, to gather first-hand information on the situation of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Mr. Ruteere will visit the country at the invitation of the Government.

“During my mission to Bolivia, I will pay special attention to the situation of indigenous populations, people of African descent, and other vulnerable groups,” said the independent expert, launching his first country mission since his appointment by the Human Rights Council as the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

“I will consider the existing challenges to the elimination of racism and racial discrimination in Bolivia,” he said, “and seek to engage constructively with the Government on possible ways of ensuring successful realization of laws, policies and measures undertaken in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as well as to identify good practices.”

The Special Rapporteur’s mission will take him to La Paz, Sucre and Santa Cruz, where he will meet with representatives from the Bolivian Government both at national and local level, the legislative and judicial branches, and non-governmental organizations, as well as community members and other groups and individuals working in the field of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference to share his preliminary findings in La Paz on Monday, 10 September, at Radisson Plaza Hotel, Av. Arce 2177 at 11:00 a.m.

The Special Rapporteur findings and recommendations will be reflected in his report to the Human Rights Council in 2013.

Mr. Mutuma Ruteere (Kenya) was appointed by the Human Rights Council as Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in November 2011. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any Government or organization and serves in his individual capacity. Learn more, visit: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/racism/rapporteur/index.htm

OHCHR Country page – Bolivia: http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/bolivia

For further information and media inquiries, please contact Vilma Romero (+591 2243 4360 / vromero@ohchr.org).

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)

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