Synthesis of conclusions of the "National Forum for Pluralism and Diversity", Quito September 28-30 2000. Racism is an ideological-philosophical system, anti-scientific and anti- human, predicated and practiced by economically and politically powerful groups in order to justify discrimination and colonialist aggression. This translates into exclusionist stereotypes and xenophobia, which bring with them the nullification, negation, and/or elimination of a group of human beings; in the case of Ecuador, this means indigenous and black cultures. This ideology is wielded by the dominant groups against their subordinates as a political strategy for exclusion, domination, and the reproduction of colonialism. Today, the practice of democracy and political control minimizes, ignores, or nullifies other societies and cultures which oppose the interests of these powerful groups. Racism is also conceived as verbal, psychological, political, and economic aggression; it is a political and ideological system which directs and controls by means of the military, religion, and the media. Without legislation that imposes sanctions, racism is a crime which can be committed with impunity. It has become so ordinary that it can proliferate without limits, embracing all spheres of life. It is committed not only by the dominant class, but has generated discriminatory practices among its victims. Thus, in Ecuador, two practices are evident: Internal racism (or endoracism), that is, discriminatory practices among and between marginalized or poor cultures and societies which are themselves victims of racism. One example is the racism expressed by blacks toward indigenous people and vice versa. Furthermore, practices of discrimination and differentiation have developed even within a sociocultural group, often linked to socioeconomic motives, as illustrated by the discrimination practiced "among the Indians themselves, among the blacks themselves". But these practices are also directed by one social or cultural group toward another, as in the Ecuadorian example of "the mestizos versus the Indians and blacks", and this is considered ethnoracism. The national agenda to put an end to racism To fight for the identity of each and every social group, for the right to be diverse and to be respected for who we are, to organize ourselves, and feel a solidarity among all the victims of racism, as well as poor, and socially and economically marginalized people. To practice interculturality among mestizos, indigenous people, and blacks, and, based on the historical and cultural knowledge of each group, take concrete measures to erase the endo- and ethno- racism; create bridges of solidarity in the face of the dominant class. To encourage the development of a new social construction, which, while respecting diverse cosmovisions, will bring us closer to equal relations between the genders. To carry out media campaigns to promote pluralism and diversity and to delegitimize racism, xenophobia, sexism, and intolerance. To develop concrete actions and mobilizations to debunk racist ideology, promote human rights, and strengthen the self-esteem of those discriminated against. International organizations who want to optimize the use of their resources should direct them toward alternative media, and especially toward the acquisition of an alternative TV channel which could carry educational campaigns against racism, xenophobia, and intolerance. To reform the Constitution in keeping with the cosmovision of the peoples, and incorporate standards to impose sanctions against racial discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance. Formulation of a law which explicitly defines and penalizes the crimes of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance. The creation of spaces for a social Comptroller to monitor and guarantee the combat against racism, xenophobia, and intolerance. The State should take measures to equalize the imbalances and power relations which exist in the dynamics between the genders, especially in relation to women´s leadership and political participation. To hold public awareness and training sessions, formal and informal, to visualize the consequences of racism for society as a whole and stimulate a collective effort towards its eradication. To propose a curricular reform to the State which incorporates the diversity of cultures and cosmovisions, and whose application includes a multidisciplinary focus which gives visibility to the different cultural proposals and identities of peoples and nationalities. To incorporate racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance as major themes running through the curriculum in all the educational systems and subsystems, with the aim of promoting mental decolonization in public and private education. To encourage autonomy, multinationality and multiculturalism, and strengthen organizations for nationality and cultural identity from within. To carry out actions to support empowerment and exercise of power in local government, so as to reclaim ancestral resources and knowledge in search of a new administrative and economic model based in history and in the new social reality among different cultures. That spaces and mechanisms of participation be created for indigenous, Afro-Ecuatorian, youth, and women in all areas of power and decision- making. That fair economic practices and development plans be adopted for the people and sectors who face discrimination. Proposals for the World Conference: To create a campaign at both a national and international level to penalize racism, including in Constitutions and legislation. That the international community take measures to impose sanctions on racism, xenophobia, and intolerance as crimes against humanity. That the letter of proposals which the Ecuadorian state brings to the World Conference Against Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance take into account the advances registered in previous international instruments: CEDAW, the Beijing Conference, and Cairo, among others. That the UN promote multiculturalism and include youth participation in every instance. That the Monitoring Committee on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Intolerance carry out the appropriate follow-up in every country of accusations of racism, and apply the corresponding sanctions if these reports are not delivered punctually. To put into practice Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization, which deals with proportional participation in State institutions.