ICERD: How NGOs can be involved 

Are you involved with NGOs or other civil society groups that work to fight racism? Help us ensure that your country is accountable for eliminating all forms of racism. See how you can participate when the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reviews how countries are doing in tackling discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

1. Most countries 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 guides on how to do this in the Guide for Civil Society Actors (page 26). Tip: Look at what CERD said in previous reviews. Give us 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.
4. Publicize and share CERD’s findings, or concluding observations, on 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.

For further information:
Guide for Civil Society Actors (2015), produced by IMADR:  English French Spanish