Forty-second session (1993)**
General recommendation XI on non-citizens
1.
Article 1, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination defines racial discrimination. Article 1, paragraph 2, excepts from this
definition actions by a State party which differentiate between citizens and non-citizens. Article 1,
paragraph 3, qualifies article 1, paragraph 2, by declaring that, among non-citizens, States parties may
not discriminate against any particular nationality.
2.
The Committee has noted that article 1, paragraph 2, has on occasion been interpreted as
absolving States parties from any obligation to report on matters relating to legislation on foreigners.
The Committee therefore affirms that States parties are under an obligation to report fully upon
legislation on foreigners and its implementation.
3.
The Committee further affirms that article 1, paragraph 2, must not be interpreted to detract in
any way from the rights and freedoms recognized and enunciated in other instruments, especially the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
** Contained in document A/48/18.
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