Its main clauses can be organized as follows:

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Part I: Substantive Provisions

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Article 1: Definition of Racial Discrimination This article provides a comprehensive definition of racial discrimination, including "any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms..." The article also clarifies that special measures for the purpose of ensuring the adequate development of certain racial groups (affirmative action) are not considered racial discrimination.

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·Article 2: General Obligations States Parties "condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms..." This includes a commitment to:

• Engaging in no act or practice of racial discrimination.

• Amending or repealing any laws and regulations that create or perpetuate racial discrimination.

• Prohibiting and bringing to an end racial discrimination by any person, group, or organization.

• Taking special measures, when warranted, to ensure the adequate development and protection of certain racial groups or individuals.

         

Article 3: Condemnation of Racial Segregation and Apartheid States Parties "condemn racial segregation and apartheid and undertake to prevent, prohibit and eradicate all such practices in territories under their jurisdiction."

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Article 4: Prohibition of Incitement to Racial Discrimination This is one of the Convention's most powerful and distinctive clauses. It obliges States to adopt "immediate and positive measures" to:

• Declare as an offense punishable by law the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred.

• Prohibit organizations and propaganda activities that promote and incite racial discrimination.

• Criminalize hate crimes and the incitement of racial discrimination.

        

 Article 5: Guarantee of Specific Rights States must guarantee the right of everyone to equality before the law, without racial distinction, in the enjoyment of a wide range of rights, including:

• Civil and political rights: The right to equal treatment before courts and other justice organs, the right to security of person, and political rights like the right to vote.

• Economic, social, and cultural rights: The rights to work, housing, public health, education, and equal participation in cultural activities.

         

Article 6: Remedies and Redress States are obligated to ensure that victims of racial discrimination have "effective protection and remedies" through competent national tribunals and other state institutions. This includes the right to seek just and adequate reparation or satisfaction for any damage suffered as a result of such discrimination.

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Article 7: Education and Information States undertake to adopt "immediate and effective measures" in the fields of teaching, education, culture, and information to combat prejudices that lead to racial discrimination and to promote understanding, tolerance, and friendship among nations and racial or ethnic groups.

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Part II and III: Implementation and Final Provisions

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Articles 8-16: The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) These articles establish the CERD, a body of independent experts responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention. Key functions include:

• Reviewing periodic reports submitted by States Parties on the measures they have taken to give effect to the Convention.

• Considering communications from individuals or groups who claim to be victims of racial discrimination and have exhausted all domestic remedies, provided the State Party has made a declaration recognizing the competence of the Committee to receive such communications (Article 14).

• Considering inter-state complaints.