6 - 12 September 2001
Issue No.550
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 6 - 12 September 2001 Issue No.550 |
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Not merely in words
"As far as the United Nations' role is concerned, the participatory process has made it clear that the UN must not only continue its historic fight against discrimination but must intensify that struggle. We have heard at length from those who are hurting, from those who are the victims of injustice, and from those in quest of dignity and equality. I have already drawn firm conclusions from this and I shall establish an anti- discrimination unit reporting directly to me to take follow-up action on the insights we have already gained, on the implementation of your recommendations, and to maintain common cause and mobilization with civil society. I shall be consulting with Member States at the forthcoming General Assembly on how we can take forward processes to follow up in the regions on the practical proposals that have come out of the various regional conferences and expert meetings.
"I cannot overstate the role of civil society in the follow up process. I look particularly to Non-Governmental Organisations, the international youth network and civil society generally to take up the challenge of Durban and form a global alliance with governments to carry the struggle forward. The impression I have is that NGOs are, indeed, rising to the challenge and are aware of how vital is the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
"Three things I would ask for in the week ahead from all parties and especially from delegates:
Members of the Indigenous People's Group in Brazil (photos:AP)
-the first is generosity of spirit. It is no small issue we are dealing with in Durban: it is no time to be small-minded.
-secondly, I call for flexibility and a willingness to meet the views of others. Progress can only be made on that basis and the urgency of devising new strategies to combat racism and discrimination requires it.
-finally, I would appeal for a sense of vision. I remain convinced that this can be a defining moment for the international community, that we have the capacity at the start of this century to work for a better and fairer world order.
"We can draw inspiration from the African concept of Ubuntu, that ancient term which embraces humaneness, caring, sharing and being in harmony with all of the world. When he came to Geneva last April, Archbishop Desmond Tutu explained how the concept represents the opposite of being selfish and self-centred. Ubuntu empowers everyone to be valued, to reach their full potential while remaining in accord with everything and everyone around them.
"This spirit is reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when it speaks of "the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family". The Universal Declaration proclaims that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood". Let that spirit inform our discussions over the coming week as we strive for a world where the principles of equality and non- discrimination are honoured, not merely in words, but in fact."
* Extracted from the opening speech of WCAR
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