Governments Should Set Aside Political Differences in the Interests
of Effective Action
Amnesty International
PRESS RELEASE
August 30, 2001
Durban / S. AFRICA
On the eve of the World Conference against Racism (WCAR), Amnesty
International calls on the world's governments to show solidarity
with victims and survivors, and act constructively to combat racism.
"The Conference is a huge opportunity for the world's governments to
rise above narrow political interests. It is an opportunity for
truth, a chance for commitment, accountability and action," said
Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
Amnesty International is urging governments to ensure that the
outcome of the Conference - the Declaration and Programme of Action -
is adopted by all governments, so as to make this conference a truly
global effort against racism.
The conference will give prominence to issues that seldom receive the
profile they deserve in international forums such as indigenous
peoples and the Roma. However, the plight of millions of Dalits,
suffering discrimination on the bases of descent, has yet to be
recognized explicitly in the draft documents. A number of governments
are also opposing the recognition of multiple discrimination
resulting from racism and sexual orientation.
"Racism infects every country in the world. Governments must pro-
actively tackle it to ensure that justice is administered on the
basis of equal rights for all," Irene Khan said.
As a specific contribution to the conference, Amnesty International
has highlighted ways in which racism affects the administration of
justice. Patterns of arrest, conviction, sentencing and the treatment
of refugees show that around the world governments turn a blind eye
to racial prejudice.
In line with its opposition to the death penalty, Amnesty
International is urging governments to ensure that the draft
Programme of Action addresses its racist application. Countries where
the death penalty is still used should investigate any
disproportionate impact of the death penalty on racial groups and
declare a moratorium on executions until the investigations are
completed.
There are still serious disagreements over how to address the legacy
of slavery and colonialism and the issue of discrimination by Israel
against the Palestinians. Amnesty International appeals to
governments to engage seriously in searching for a solution to these
disputes - a solution that is informed by human rights rather than
politics.
"The stakes are high. Victims and survivors around the world are
looking to the conference for recognition and commitment to action.
Governments should listen," Irene Khan said.
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Contact:
International media - Maya Catsanis +27 (0) 823 700 582
South African media - Samkelo Mokhine 083 261 2656


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