AFRICA: World Racism Conference declaration

JOHANNESBURG, 4 January (IRIN) - United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights Mary Robinson announced on Thursday the publication of the
Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference against
Racism, which clears the way for the implementation of measures adopted in
Durban, South Africa, last autumn.

"The anti-discrimination agenda the World Conference gave us is now a
living, breathing document", the High Commissioner said. "With this agenda
in our hands, we can regain the momentum created by the Conference and get
down to the business of making the commitments made at Durban a reality. I
cannot think of a better way to start the new year".

Publication of the Declaration and Programme of Action had been delayed
due to a difference of views or perceptions regarding mainly where to
place several paragraphs of text drafted as the Conference drew to a close
in Durban in September, a UNHCHR statement said.

However, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, South African foreign minister and
president of the World Conference, and Louis Michel, Belgian foreign
minister and then-representative of the European Union, have now indicated
that all outstanding issues had been resolved. The UN General Assembly
will consider the report of the Conference, including the Declaration and
Programme of Action, in the near future, UNHCHR said.

For the Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference see href="http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/Durban.htm"
target="_blank">www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/Durban.htm[ENDS]

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