At
the outset of this new century, the challenge remains
of how to realize the right of all individuals
to the equal human dignity promised in the Charter
of the United Nations. The key to meeting that
challenge is the elimination of racial discrimination
and the repudiation of the prejudices that sustain
such discrimination. There is a need to renew a
global commitment to the ideals of those who framed
the basic documents of the United Nations and their
determination to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
There is a need to recognise what they saw, that
without a clear commitment to a core idea of the
UN Charter, namely that of the equality of all
human beings and the need for international cooperation
to achieve that ideal, the particular evil of racism
cannot be eliminated. It is worth recalling that
the struggle against racism and racial discrimination
is not a new focus for the world community or for
the United Nations. In fact, the challenge of racism
has had a profound influence on the international
human rights protection system that has evolved
over the last half century. Indeed, it is possible
to write the story of the development of the entire
human rights capacities of the UN in terms of the
precedents established in confronting racism during
the first decades of its existence. Insofar as
the UN has worked with member states to act effectively
in fulfilling one of its purpose rights and fundamental
freedoms for all without distinction as to race,
sex, language or religion that proved the key.
The
first human rights Convention of the new world body
Convention expression of racism in the destruction
of other groups and peoples.
The Durban Conference has the capacity to take
another historic step in the struggle against
racism and to forge a new partnership between
governments and civil society that will work
effectively for the elimination of an evil that
has survived too long.
This conference is also special in the way that
it engages individuals and civil society as much
as it does States. Looking at the enormous response
from NGOs, it is clear that Durban will not be
a dry political gathering dominated by technical
negotiations. There will be some of that. But
there will also be a rich coming together of
peoples and cultures; an exchange of ideas and
experiences. This conference is a call for all
of us to reflect on our own responsibility, to
be aware of the prejudices that we carry, sometimes
consciously but in many cases, unconsciously.
If we wish for real change, we must also look
into our own hearts.
The regional preparatory meetings have recognized
that racism is a problem in every country and
every region. The profile of racism as a global
issue has been raised to an unprecedented level.
Groups all over the world have had their voices
heard and their concerns acknowledged in ways
that were not possible before preparations for
the World Conference began. Disparate groups
which have been conducting separate struggles
against racism and discrimination are coming
together. We are seeing the creation of a global
constituency which did not exist before. At the
level of civil society, Durban promises to be
a significant event which will permanently change
the way that racism issues are viewed and dealt
with.
To a large extent, however, the success of Durban
will be measured according to the formal outcomes
adopted by national delegations the Programme
of Action. This is the main challenge now facing
states.
The negotiation of these key documents has not
been an easy process. The subject matter of this
conference touches upon delicate issues; not
just matters of domestic policy and practice
but, in some cases, fundamental issues of national
identity. Whilst individual societies have embarked
on processes of reflection and reconciliation,
we as a global community have never attempted
it before.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, I believe
we can have a successful outcome. I have spoken
of the need for a breakthrough on racism at Durban.
It will require good will and compromise on all
sides; I am sure that no country or group will
walk away completely satisfied.
There is no possibility of a neutral outcome
from this World Conference. I believe that it
will succeed. But if it does not, then the disappointment
will be great and the bitterness and recriminations
will be likely to spill over into other issues
and other forums. At a time when the international
community is grappling with so many complex global
problems we simply cannot afford to fail to find
consensus on an issue as clear cut as racism.
At Durban our objectives will be threefold:
- a Declaration that solemnly acknowledges
the wrongs of the past, notes the current manifestations
of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance, and commits states
and peoples to moving forward together in the
fight against racism;
- a concrete, forward-looking, Programme of
Action that identifies practical steps for
fulfilling this commitment; and
- an alliance forged between governments and
civil society that will enable the struggle
against racism to be carried beyond Durban.
As
the Secretary General, Kofi Annan, said in
Berlin a few weeks ago: "We must find
ways to acknowledge the past without getting
lost
there; and to help heal old wounds without reopening
them. We must deal with the past, but most importantly
we must reinvigorate the future. We need a programme
of action, not a lapse into recrimination."
I believe that this is achievable.
I am also pleased that so many states have already
nominated high level political leadership for
their delegations to Durban and that a number
of Heads of State have also confirmed their intention
to be present. Finally, I am deeply grateful
to the Government of South Africa for their offer
to host the World Conference, for which arrangements
are proceeding very well. It is impossible to
imagine a better venue for this vital conference
or a more appropriate place to build upon the
great success of the last century marks a breakthrough
in combating racism and fostering diversity in
the twenty first century.
The true test of the value of both the Declaration
and the Programme of Action will be whether they
help to ensure progress in combating racism.
The victims of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance will be watching
what happens at Durban. They have the most urgent
of reasons to look to us to secure a successful
outcome at Durban which will improve their lives.
Mary Robinson of Ireland is the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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