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Africa: Racism Conference, 1
Africa: Racism Conference, 1
Date distributed (ymd): 010731
Document reposted by APIC
Africa Policy Electronic Distribution List: an information service
provided by AFRICA ACTION (incorporating the Africa Policy
Information Center, The Africa Fund, and the American Committee on
Africa). Find more information for action for Africa at
http://www.africapolicy.org
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NOTE TO READERS:
The Africa Policy Electronic Distribution List will take a vacation
break during the month of August. Postings will resume the first
week of September.
+++++++++++++++++++++Document Profile+++++++++++++++++++++
Region: Continent-Wide
Issue Areas: +economy/development+ +political/rights+
SUMMARY CONTENTS:
The White House has threatened to boycott the World Conference
against Racism to be held in Durban from August 31 to September 7,
highlighting its objections to the possible mention of Zionism as
Racism and to discussion of reparations for slavery and the slave
trade. The Third Preparatory Session for the Conference is now
under way in Geneva until August 10 (see
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/). The US House of Representatives
passed a nonbinding resolution yesterday urging U.S. participation.
Whatever the status of U.S. official participation, the conference
and the parallel non-governmental event will be a unprecedented
opportunity to raise fundamental issues of inequality, past,
present and future.
This posting contains (1) the most recent statement on the
conference by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson,
(2) a press release from the International Human Rights Law Group,
one of many non-governmental statements critiqueing the White House
threat and calling for U.S. high-level participation, and (3) a
press release and brief excerpts from a new Human Rights Watch
paper which supports reparations and suggests priorizing groups
"that continue to suffer the most severe hardships" by addressing
current inequalities with means such as investment in education,
health care, housing, and job training.
A related posting today contains an article by Dennis Brutus and
Ben Cashdan relating issues of inequality inside South Africa and
globally. For additional background and links see
http://www.africafocus.org/docs01/wcar0101.php>,
http://www.africafocus.org/docs00/wcar0010.htm, and
http://www.africapolicy.org/action/other.htm#racism
+++++++++++++++++end profile++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Economic and Social Council, Geneva, 24 July 2001
Statement by Mary Robinson
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and
Secretary-General of the World Conference against Racism, Racial
Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism
You also have before you the Secretary-General's report on the
"Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to
Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and preparatory process for
the World Conference". This is a report on the major activities
undertaken in the context of the Third Decade and the preparatory
process for the World Conference including the regional preparatory
meetings, the regional expert seminars and the NGO Forums that were
held all over the world.
Let me take this opportunity to say a few more words about the
conference. As we stand at the beginning of a new century, the
continuing existence of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance constitutes a fundamental human rights
challenge. The Durban conference will be nothing less than a
conference to discuss the core principles that should underpin this
new century. It is an important opportunity for the world community
to commit, for the first time in the post-apartheid era, to a truly
global effort to address the ancient and the modern manifestations
of this evil.
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.
We are now only 37 days from the opening ceremony of the World
Conference. Whilst much remains to be done, it is important to note
that much has already been achieved. The regional preparatory
meetings have recognised 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 Declaration and 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. But the time for staking out positions and laying down
markers has past – we are now at the stage where we need to begin
reaching agreements.
There is no possibility of a neutral outcome from this World
Conference. As I have said, 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.
The third meeting of the preparatory committee will take place here
in Geneva from 30 July to 10 August. The Secretariat will do
everything possible to support the work of delegates at that
meeting. In the margins of the prepcom, I have invited a group of
Eminent Persons to conduct a round-table discussion on 3 August on
the importance of this World Conference. 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. I would ask all
governments to ensure the highest possible level of attendance, as
befits a World Conference on an issue as serious as this one.
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 – the eradication
of apartheid.
Thank you.
US Must Be At UN Table, No Matter Its Views On Reparations
International Human Rights Law Group
1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 602
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (1-202) 822.4600
Fax: (1-202) 822.4606
Email: HumanRights@HRLawGroup.org
http://www.hrlawgroup.org
PRESS RELEASE
July 27, 2002
Washington
DC based UN official and host of voices of victims at WCAR urges
Bush Administration to signal its support for racism conference.
Gay McDougall, Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of
Racism and the co-host of what promises to be one of the most
memorable sessions at the upcoming World Conference on Racism
today called on President Bush to affirm his commitment to ending
racism by sending a high-level delegation to the upcoming
conference.
"Regardless of the Bush Administration's opinions on reparation,
he will never be seen as a world leader if he refuses to even
participate in world discussions about these issues. The US must
be at the table in Durban,: said Gay McDougall, who is also the
Executive Director of the International Human Rights Law Group
based in Washington, DC. "Bush has shown absolutely no commitment
to ending racial discrimination. This is a perfect opportunity to
do that. People of color in the US are more than just voting
blocs and the President needs to demonstrate his administration
is willing to discuss issues of racial discrimination as part of
the international community," McDougall added.
McDougall is co-hosting Voices of Victims, at the upcoming WCAR,
a platform that will give voice to, and put a face on, the very
topic of racism being discussed by the official delegates. During
six days, from 1 September, through 6 September, more than 20
presenters representing every region of the world will tell their
personal story of how their lives have been affected by racism,
xenophobia and related oppressions.
The hearings will take place from 13:15 to 14:45 (Durban Time,
during the delegates lunch break) each day of the conference and
will be carried live by South African Broadcasting Corporation.
"We are giving the people affected most by racism a
representative voice in this UN conference so that victims, and
those who have triumphed over racism, can be heard loud and clear
by the nations of the world," said McDougall.
Voices will focus on individual stories of how racism has
affected each presenter personally. Because of the sensitive
nature of topics being discussed by the presenters, a list of
their names will not be available to the media until the first
day of the hearings.
The United Nations is using the physical placement of the
hearings to send a signal of their importance, placing the
hearings in the main convention hall, most easily accessible to
the delegates. This is the only event than UN deliberations and
committee meetings, taking place in the main hall.
Voices is sponsored by the Washington, DC, headquartered
International Human Rights Law Group, Gay McDougall, Executive
Director, and by Barney Pityana, Chair of the South African Human
Rights Commission.
SOUTH AFRICA BROADCASTING CORPORATION
TO PROVIDE LIVE COVERAGE
South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will provide pool
coverage and be broadcasting the Voices Hearings on their
domestic and continental news channels. Voices will be available
as part of the pool services to all accredited media in the
broadcast village for further technical information contact Lucia
Fourie on Tel +27 11 714 6811; Cell +27 82 561 3649; e-mail:
fouriel@sabc.co.za
Print media credentialed by the UN will be able to access the
hearings being held in the Main Committee Room of the
International Convention Center. Broadcast media will be able to
access the hearings via pool feed as described above, or if on
site, will be allowed into the hearing room in restricted areas.
For more information contact Scott Blaine Swenson, 202 423 8130,
scottblaine@aol.com
Human Rights Watch
http://www.hrw.org
Reparations Urged for Slavery, Segregation
(New York, July 19, 2001) In advance of a major international
conference on racism, Human Rights Watch today called for
reparations to counter the most severe continuing effects of
slavery, segregation, and other extreme forms of racism.
Human Rights Watch said national and international panels should be
created with maximum transparency and public participation to
identify and acknowledge past abuses and to guide action to counter
their present-day effect.
"Groups that suffer today because of slavery or other severe racist
practices should be compensated by governments responsible for
these practices," said Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human
Rights Watch. "Those most seriously victimized today by past wrongs
should be the first priority for compensation to end their
victimization."
Roth said reparations for past abuse should focus first on groups
that continue to suffer the most severe hardships. "We're not
talking about a handout or a windfall," said Roth. "We are calling
for long-term commitments to correct the damage done to the groups
left most seriously disadvantaged."
Human Rights Watch proposed the establishment of national panels,
in multiracial countries such as the United States, Brazil and
South Africa, as well as one or more international panels to look
at the effect of the slave trade. These panels would focus on
tracing these effects not for particular individuals but for
groups.
The panels should serve as truth commissions aiming to reveal the
extent to which a government's past racist practices contribute to
contemporary deprivation domestically and abroad, Roth said. They
should educate the public, acknowledge responsibility, and propose
methods of redress and making amends.
A primary purpose of reparations would be to address the social and
economic foundations of today's victims' continuing
marginalization-through means such as investment in education,
housing, health care, or job training.
The question of compensation for slavery will be one of the most
controversial topics when the U.N. World Conference Against Racism,
Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance meets in
Durban, South Africa from August 31 to September 7.
A copy of Human Rights Watch's position paper is available at:
http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/race/reparations.htm.
For more information on race and human rights, please see:
Racism & Human Rights (HRW Campaign Page) at
http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/race/index.htm
Brief Excerpts from HRW Position Paper
* First, given that the resources available for reparations are
inevitably limited, we would focus as a matter of priority on
those in greatest need today. Wealthier individuals and groups may
well be able to show that their ancestors suffered because of
slavery or the most racist aspects of colonialism. ...But because
their wealth suggests that they have substantially surmounted this
legacy, we would not make them the focus of a reparations scheme.
An approach based on economic and social rights shifts the focus
to those most in need. ...
* Third, a focus on economic and social rights provides a more
concrete benchmark for measuring the appropriate magnitude of
reparations. The purpose of the amount sought would not be to
rectify an intangible past harm but to redress a quite tangible
contemporary harm - again, at least insofar as it was caused by
past racial injustice.
* Fourth, an approach based on economic and social rights would
allow reparations schemes to reinforce solutions to the world's
most acute development challenges rather than setting up
competition for limited funds from claimants who may not
correspond with those most in need. The purpose of reparations
payments would not be simply to hand over sums of money to the
descendants of past victims, but to rectify the social and
economic processes that underlie today's victims' continuing
marginalization. Thus, reparations payments would presumably be
used for investment in education, housing, health care, or job
training, rather than consumer goods or other ephemeral benefits.
* Sixth, a focus on economic and social rights highlights the need
for reparations schemes to supplement affirmative action with
broader social investments aimed at benefiting entire
disadvantaged groups, not just their most successful members.
Affirmative action is certainly one useful remedial tool. But in
practice affirmative action tends to favor those members of a
disadvantaged group who are relatively advantaged and in the best
position to benefit from the extra opportunities provided. An
approach based on economic and social rights would insist on
broader social investment to lift from extreme poverty even the
least advantaged members of a disadvantaged group.
...
Once the appropriate beneficiaries of reparations can be
identified, it is still necessary to determine who should pay the
financial component. People today will ask why they should be held
responsible for the crimes of their ancestors. That is why we
would focus on the responsibility of governments. A government
that sponsored or permitted slavery, the slave trade, or other
severe racist practices should not, in our view, be allowed to
avoid responsibility simply because of the passage of time.
However, even though governments have an intergenerational life,
we recognize that to hold them responsible for past crimes is, as
a practical matter, to hold today's citizens or taxpayers
responsible. We believe this attribution of responsibility can be
justified by reference to the economic benefits that these
countries derived from, say, slavery or abusive colonialism -
benefits that presumably helped to jumpstart their
industrialization and thus continue to the present. We note that
this rationale would apply even to immigrants who arrived in a
beneficiary country after these abusive practices ended, since
they, too, presumably have benefited from the advanced economy
they joined.
This material is being reposted for wider distribution by
Africa Action (incorporating the Africa Policy Information
Center, The Africa Fund, and the American Committee on Africa).
Africa Action's information services provide accessible
information and analysis in order to promote U.S. and
international policies toward Africa that advance economic,
political and social justice and the full spectrum of human rights.
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