Geneva, The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) released its findings on Albania, Mexico, Qatar, the Republic of Moldova, and San Marino, concluding its latest session with a series of concerns and recommendations aimed at enhancing the enforcement of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in these nations.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the committee’s report presents a detailed analysis of both positive advancements and areas needing significant improvement within each country. For Albania, the CERD focused on the systemic discrimination against Roma and Egyptians, particularly issues with obtaining identity documents and accessing public services, urging measures to prevent statelessness and enhance digital inclusivity for marginalized communities.

In Mexico, despite constitutional reforms recognizing the rights of people of African descent, ongoing discrimination and social exclusion of indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities remain problematic. The committee criticized the racial profiling and abuse at migration checkpoints and called for thorough investigations and accountability for such violations.

Qatar received acknowledgments for its efforts to protect migrant workers but was also advised to address the persisting kafala system that contributes to the exploitation and discrimination of migrant workers, especially women in domestic roles. The committee stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing labor protections.

The report highlighted concerns in Moldova regarding racial discrimination and hate crimes against ethnic minorities, particularly the Roma, recommending more robust legislative actions and educational reforms to improve attendance and reduce dropout rates among Roma children.

San Marino’s treatment of domestic workers, predominantly women from Eastern Europe and the Philippines, and its policies on refugees and asylum-seekers were also critiqued. The committee urged the adoption of international conventions on statelessness and non-refoulement to better protect vulnerable populations.

The findings, known as Concluding Observations, are now accessible online and provide a comprehensive framework for each country to follow in order to meet their obligations under the international human rights treaties they have ratified.