ESCAP Preparations

Experts on human rights, racism and migration met (5 to 7 September 2000 in Bangkok, thailand) to discuss racism, the human rights of migrants and human trafficking, especially of women and children.  The meeting was a joint effort of ESCAP and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.   This was a part of a series of four regional meetings being held in preparation for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which will take place in South Africa in September 2001.  The debates at the seminar were led by a group of invited experts who presented papers dealing with various aspects of the issues being examined, with particluar regard for migramts   and trafficking in persons, and exchange information on "best practices" in dealing with racism.

ECLAC Preparations

On 25-27 October 2000, ECLAC in collaboration with the Office ofthe High Commissioner for Human Rights, hosted a regional seminar of experts called "Economic, Social and Legal Measures to Combat Racism with Particular Reference to Vulnerable Groups", as a preparatory meeting for the World Conferencee.  The objectives of the seminar were to consider some of the key issues regardin racism in the region, to exchange information on best practices and discuss action-oriented strategies, and to make suggestions and recommendations to the second session of the preparatory Committee and to the World Conference itself.

Twelve experts from the region prepared background papers on topics such as general trends in racism; protection of indigenous peoples; economic factors that affect migrants; racial discrimination in the host country of displaced persons and refugees; African-Americans and the marginalization on the basis of race and poverty; and strengthening human rights capacity building against racism and intolerance