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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