E/1999/61
Distr.:General
1 June 1999
Original: English/French
Substantive session of 1999
Geneva, 5–30 July 1999
Item 14 (f) of the provisional agenda*
Social and human rights questions: implementation of
the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial
Discrimination
* E/1999/100 and Add.1.
Social
and human rights questions: implementation of the Programme of Action for the
Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
Report of the
Secretary-General
Contents
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Introduction.................................................................................................................... |
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1–4 |
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3 |
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I. Implementation of the Programme of Action
for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination within the
United Nations system.......................... |
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5–39 |
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3 |
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A. Commission
on Human Rights....................................................................... |
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5–14 |
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3 |
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World
Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related
Intolerance....................................................................................... |
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8–14 |
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3 |
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B. Subcommission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities.. |
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15–16 |
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5 |
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C. Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination.................................... |
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17–19 |
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5 |
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D. Special Rapporteur of the Commission on
Human Rights............................... |
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20–21 |
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6 |
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E. International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination.......................... |
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22–23 |
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6 |
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F. Activities undertaken by the Office of
the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights............................................................................................. |
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24–28 |
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6 |
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1. Background papers for the open-ended
Working Group to review and formulate proposals for the World Conference
against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance............................... |
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24 |
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6 |
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2. Preliminary analytical study on the
objectives of the World Conference and compendium of references to
publications and other works on racism.............................................................................................................. |
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3. Questionnaire to review progress made
in the fight against racism............ |
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4. Study on the economic factors
contributing to the perpetuation of racism, xenophobia and other forms of
discrimination.......................................... |
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27–28 |
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7 |
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G. Information received from United Nations
programmes and specialized agencies |
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29–39 |
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1. International Labour Organization (ILO)................................................. |
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29–33 |
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2. United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)........................................................................................... |
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34–39 |
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8 |
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II. Information received from Governments...................................................................... |
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40–41 |
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8 |
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Lebanon.................................................................................................................... |
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40–41 |
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8 |
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III. Information received from
non-governmental organizations.......................................... |
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42–44 |
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9 |
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A. International Human Rights Watch.................................................................... |
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42–43 |
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9 |
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B. Minority Right Group....................................................................................... |
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44 |
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9 |
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IV. Status of the Trust Fund for the
Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial
Discrimination................................................................................ |
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45–47 |
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9 |
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V. Conclusions............................................................................................................... |
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48–51 |
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9 |
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Annex |
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Trust Fund for
the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination......................................................................................................................................... |
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11 |
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I. Contributions received from 1985 to May
1999........................................................................... |
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11 |
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II. Contributions pledged.................................................................................................................. |
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13 |
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III. Contributions available for 1999................................................................................................... |
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13 |
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Introduction
1. By its resolution 48/91 of
20 December 1993, the General Assembly proclaimed the Third Decade to Combat
Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993–2003), and adopted the Programme of
Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
2. In its resolution 49/146
of 23 December 1994, the General Assembly adopted the revised Programme of
Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and
requested the Secretary‑General to submit each year to the Economic and
Social Council a detailed report on all activities of the United Nations bodies
and the specialized agencies undertaken to combat racism and racial
discrimination, containing an analysis of information received on such
activities.
3. The present report has
been prepared in response to the request of the General Assembly in pursuance
of Assembly resolutions 52/111 of 12 December 1997 and 53/132 of 9 December
1998. It contains information on the forthcoming World Conference against
Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held
not later than the year 2001, as well as information received by the United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the activities undertaken or
envisaged by Governments and intergovernmental and non‑governmental
organizations within the framework of the Third Decade.
4. As of 30 January 1999,
replies had been received from the Governments of Cuba, Finland, France, the
Islamic Republic of Iran, Peru, Turkey and the United States of America.
Substantive replies were also received from the following United Nations
bodies: the Department of Public Information of the United Nations Secretariat,
the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations
Secretariat, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR). Contributions were also received from the following non‑governmental
organizations: Anti‑Racism Information Service, Caucasians United for
Reparations and Emancipation, Dominican Union of Journalists for Peace,
International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International
League for Human Rights, North‑South XXI and Oxfam. These replies are
included in the second part of the report of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights to the Commission on Human Rights submitted pursuant to Commission
resolution 1998/26 of 17 April 19981 (see document E/CN.4/1999/12,
part two). The present report includes replies received after that date from
the Government of Lebanon; specialized agencies of the United Nations system:
the International Labour Organization (ILO) (International Labour Office) and
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);
and non‑governmental organizations: International Human Rights Watch and
Minority Right Group.
I. Implementation
of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
within the United Nations system
A. Commission
on Human Rights
5. At its fifty‑fifth
session, the Commission on Human Rights discussed the Programme of Action for
the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and in its
resolution 1999/78 of 28 April 1999 on racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, section II, regretted the continued lack of
interest, support and financial resources for the Third Decade and the
Programme of Action, and that very few of the activities planned for the period
1994–1998 had been carried out.
6. In the same resolution,
the Commission on Human Rights recommended that the General Assembly, through
the Economic and Social Council, should request the Secretary‑General to
assign high priority to the activities of the Programme of Action and to
earmark adequate resources to finance its activities.
7. The Commission on Human
Rights also welcomed the establishment of the racism project team in the Office
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with a view to
coordinating all activities of the Third Decade.
World
Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related
Intolerance
8. In its resolution 1998/26
of 17 April 1998,2 the Commission on Human Rights decided to create
an open‑ended working group to meet during the fifty-fifth session in
order to review and formulate proposals for consideration by the Commission and
possible forwarding to the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference at
its first session in the year 2000. The working group met from 24 to 26 March
1999. Representatives of Governments, specialized agencies, regional bodies and
non‑governmental organizations participated in its work.
9. The working group debated
on the seven objectives of the World Conference as set forth in General
Assembly resolution 52/111 and took as a starting point a document presented by
the African Group. The main contribution of the working group was the
submission of a report (see document E/CN.4/1999/16) to the Commission on Human
Rights at its fifty‑fifth session, which contains recommendations on the
preparation for the World Conference and proposals concerning the function and
composition of the Bureau for the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee
for the World Conference.
10. At its fifty‑fifth
session, the Commission on Human Rights discussed the convening of the World
Conference; and in its resolution 1999/78, the Commission recommended to the
General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, that, if no offer
was made to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for hosting
the World Conference by the end of the first session of the Preparatory Committee
to be held in the year 2000, the World Conference should be held in Geneva in
the year 2001.
11. In resolution 1999/78, the
Commission on Human Rights also invited United Nations bodies and mechanisms
dealing with the question of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,
the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities
and the Special Rapporteur concerned to participate actively in the preparatory
process with a view to ensuring the success of the World Conference and to
coordinate their activities in that regard with the assistance of the High
Commissioner.
12. In the same resolution, the
Commission on Human Rights requested the Secretary‑General, the United
Nations specialized agencies and the regional commissions to provide financial
and technical assistance for the organization of the regional preparatory
meetings planned in the context of the World Conference and stressed that such
assistance should be supplemented by voluntary contributions.
13. Also in resolution 1999/78,
the Commission on Human Rights requested the Subcommission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities to undertake a study on ways of
making United Nations activities and mechanisms in the context of programmes
aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance more effective.
14. Additionally, in the same
resolution, the Commission on Human Rights requested the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights:
(a) To set up a voluntary fund designed to
cover all aspects of the preparatory process for the World Conference and the
participation of non‑governmental organizations, especially from
developing countries, and requested all Governments, international
organizations, non‑governmental organizations and private individuals to
contribute to that Fund;
(b) To prepare questionnaires in order to
review progress made in the fight against racism and to reappraise the
obstacles to further progress, and to send them to States, specialized
agencies, international governmental and non‑governmental organizations
and national institutions; and to analyse the replies and submit her
conclusions to the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference;
(c) To undertake a study to be submitted to
the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference on ways
of improving coordination between the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights and all specialized agencies and international,
regional and subregional organizations in the field of action to combat racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
(d) To carry out a world information campaign
on the objectives of the World Conference;
(e) To organize an international seminar of
experts on the remedies available to the victims of acts of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and on good national
practices in that field;
(f) To open an Internet site on the
preparations for the World Conference in close cooperation with the Department
of Public Information of the United Nations Secretariat;
(g) To send all Governments, international
governmental organizations, non‑governmental organizations and national
institutions information handbooks and pamphlets in order to increase the
public awareness of the problem that racism constitutes;
(h) To appoint renowned ambassadors from the
entertainment, arts, culture, sports and musical worlds who might mobilize the
attention of civil society;
(i) To invite the sports world to cooperate
actively as a partner in the World Conference;
(j) To undertake appropriate consultations with
non‑governmental organizations on the possibility that they might hold a
forum before and during the World Conference and to provide them with technical
assistance for that purpose;
(k) To help States and regional organizations
to convene national and regional meetings or to undertake other initiatives, to
prepare for the World Conference;
(l) To help the Special Rapporteur on racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance of the Commission on
Human Rights to carry out a study on preventive measures relating to ethnic,
racial, religious and xenophobically motivated conflicts;
(m) To invite the Special Rapporteur on
religious intolerance of the Commission on Human Rights to participate actively
in the preparatory process and in the World Conference by initiating studies on
action to combat incitement to hatred and religious intolerance.
B. Subcommission
on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities
15. At its fiftieth session,
held from 3 to 28 August 1998, the Subcommission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities adopted resolution 1998/6 of 20
August 1998 (see document E/CN.4/1999/4- E/CN.4/Sub.2/1998/45), in which it
welcomed General Assembly resolution 52/111 of 12 December 1997 in which the
Assembly had decided to convene a World Conference against Racism, Racial
Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held not later than
the year 2001.
16. In the same resolution, the
Subcommission decided to carry out further studies without delay, within the
framework of the objectives laid down in General Assembly resolution 52/111,
and to transmit recommendations for studies to the Commission on Human Rights
at its fifty‑fifth session and, through the Commission, to the
Preparatory Committee for the World Conference; recommended to the Preparatory
Committee that the World Conference devote considerable attention to the
overall themes of equality and diversity in an effort to combat racism and
racial discrimination; and suggested that the World Conference focus, inter
alia, on both situations of ethnic conflict and other patterns of
discrimination which were based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic
origin, as well as the topics of ethnic conflict, education and racial
discrimination, globalization in the context of the increase in incidents of
racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, affirmative action, migrant
workers, the rights of non‑citizens, reservations to the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,3
hate speech and remedies for racial discrimination.
C. Committee
on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
17. At its fifty‑third
session, held from 3 to 21 August 1998, the Committee on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination adopted decision 9 (53) of 21 August 1998,4
which contains preliminary ideas for the agenda of the World Conference. In the
same document, the Committee also reiterated its readiness to participate
actively in the entire preparatory process for the World Conference and in the
Conference itself and indicated that it had commenced considering suggestions
for the agenda of the World Conference and ideas the World Conference might
take into consideration in any declaration and programme of action that it
might decide to adopt.
18. Also in decision 9 (53),
the Committee was of the view that the agenda could include the following
topics: current realities in the aftermath of slavery and colonialism; impact
of economic globalization and racial equality; treatment of migrants, refugees,
asylum‑seekers and displaced persons; prevention of racial discrimination,
including early warning and urgent procedures; prevention of racial
discrimination through education; remedies, redress mechanisms and reparations
for racial discrimination; international mechanisms for the implementation of
the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination and their progressive development; combating hate speech and
promoting tolerance in the digital age; the implications of multiple identities
(race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, gender).
19. Pursuant to Commission on
Human Rights resolution 1998/26 of 17 April 1998, the Committee submitted to
the sessional open‑ended Working Group to review and formulate proposals
for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and
Related Intolerance of the Commission, the following six studies prepared by
members of the Committee:
(a) “The causes of, and remedies for,
racial discrimination”, by Mr. M. Banton (E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.6);
(b) “United Nations strategies to combat
racism and racial discrimination”, by Mr. T. van Boven
(E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.7);
(c) “Zimbabwe and South Africa: the lessons we
can learn”, by Mrs. S. Sadiq Ali (E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.8);
(d) “Preventing genocide”, by Mr. A. Shahi,
Mr. L. Valencia Rodriguez and Mr. I. Garvalov (E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.9);
(e) “The definitions of racial
discrimination”, by Mr. I. Diaconu (E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.10);
(f) “De l’utilité de l’application
complémentaire des procédures de plaintes individuelles devant les organes
universels et régionaux de protection des droits de l’homme; un exemple : les
plaintes individuelles devant le Comité pour l’élimination de la discrimination
raciale et devant la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme” [Usefulness of the
complementary application of the procedures for individual complaints before
the universal and regional bodies for protection of human rights; for example,
the individual complaints before the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
and the European Court of Human Rights], by Mr. R. de Gouttes
(E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.11).
D. Special
Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights
20. Mr. Maurice Glélé‑Ahanhanzo,
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, in his annual report to the Commission on
Human Rights (see E/CN.4/1999/15 and Add.1) called attention to measures taken
by Governments to meet the objectives of the mandate and reviewed
manifestations of racism and racial discrimination in 1998.
21. The Special Rapporteur also
reported on a mission carried out with respect to South Africa in response to
allegations concerning a rise in xenophobia and mistreatment of migrants in
that country. He also examined the progress of post‑apartheid reforms and
the obstacles confronting the rapid transformation of South African society
into one that was democratic and non-racist. He met representatives of
government, the Constitutional Court, the Human Rights Commission, municipal
councils, academic institutions and various non‑governmental
organizations.
E. International
Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
22. The commemoration of the
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was organized on
19 March 1999 at the United Nations Office at Geneva by the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights in cooperation with the United Nations Information
Service. The theme chosen for this year’s round-table discussion was entitled
“Towards the World Conference Against Racism”.
23. The round-table discussion
was chaired by Mr. Bertie Ramcharan, Deputy United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights. The members of the panel were Mr. Mahmoud Aboul‑Nasr, Chairman of the Committee on
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Mr. Ivan Garvalov, Chairman of the
Contact Group for the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination,
Xenophobia and Related Intolerance of the Committee on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination; and Mrs. Edith Ballantyne, Secretary of the Non‑Governmental
Organizations Subcommittee on Racism and Racial Discrimination. The round table
was attended by representatives of the diplomatic community, as well as of non‑governmental
organizations.
F. Activities
undertaken by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights
1. Background
papers for the open‑ended Working Group to review and formulate proposals
for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and
Related Intolerance
24. In order to assist the
sessional open‑ended Working Group of the Commission on Human Rights at
its meeting, held from 24 to 26 March 1999, the Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights had prepared the following background
papers:
(a) “The declarations and programmes of action
adopted by the two preceding World Conferences to combat racism”
(E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.1);
(b) “Selection of conclusions and
recommendations of seminars and studies on racism and racial discrimination”
(E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.2);
(c) “Decision 9 (53) of the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination concerning the World Conference”
(E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.3);
(d) “Selection of recommendations of Mr. M.
Glélé- Ahanhanzo, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance” ( E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.4);
(e) “Relevant recommendations and decisions of
the Subcommission” (E/CN.4/1999/WG.1/BP.5).
2. Preliminary
analytical study on the objectives of the World Conference and compendium of
references to publications and other works on racism
25. Pursuant to Commission on
Human Rights resolution 1998/26 of 17 April 1998, the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights submitted to the Commission at its fifty-fifth
session a preliminary analytical study on the objectives of the World Conference
as identified in General Assembly resolution 52/111 as well as a compendium of
references to publications and other works on racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance (see document E/CN.4/1999/12, annex). The
final study will be submitted to the first session of the Preparatory Committee
for the World Conference due to meet a week after the forthcoming fifty‑sixth
session of the Commission.
3. Questionnaire
to review progress made in the fight against racism
26. Pursuant to Commission on
Human Rights resolution 1999/78, paragraph 49 (a), the Office of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights prepared a questionnaire for States,
specialized agencies, international governmental and non‑governmental
organizations and national institutions to review progress made in the fight
against racism, and to reappraise the obstacles to further progress in the
field and ways to overcome them. A report containing an analysis of the replies
will be submitted to the Preparatory Committee at its first session in the year
2000.
4. Study
on the economic factors contributing to the perpetuation of racism, xenophobia
and other forms of discrimination
27. In its resolution 49/146,
the General Assembly approved the revised Programme of Action for the Third
Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, to be implemented between
1993 and 2003. In the context of the Programme of Action, the Secretary‑General
was requested to undertake a study on economic factors contributing to the
perpetuation of racism and racial discrimination.
28. The study, which is being
finalized for submission to the first session of the Preparatory Committee for
the World Conference to be held in the year 2000, will identify practices that
lead to economic deprivation or exclusion of ethnic, racial, national and
linguistic minorities as well as indigenous populations and migrants.
Furthermore, it will make recommendations to Governments, including in respect
of affirmative action or other action‑oriented strategies, aiming at
remedying the situations addressed.
G. Information
received from United Nations programmes and specialized agencies
1. International
Labour Organization (ILO)
29. During the past year, the
International Labour Office of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
continued its work for the elimination of discrimination in employment and
occupation on a number of grounds, including those of race and colour, based on
the ILO Constitution as well as on Convention No. 111 (Convention concerning
Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation).5
30. The ratification and
application of Convention No. 111 — it being considered one of the
seven fundamental Conventions of the Organization — have been among the
targets of the ratification campaign instituted by the Director‑General
of ILO in 1995. As a result of the campaign, Convention No. 111 has now been
ratified by 131 countries, and more ratifications are expected shortly. ILO has
continued its supervisory activities related to this Convention and all the
others for which it is responsible. A number of reports from ratifying
countries were examined by the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of
Conventions and Recommendations in 1998. Comments thereon are contained in the
Committee’s annual report published in March 1999.
31. The International Labour
Office also provided technical assistance and advisory services to member
States wishing to ratify Convention No. 111 or to apply it more fully. It has,
for instance, provided advice during the last year, in the form of national
seminars, to Brazil, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and South Africa, and it
will do so in China and other countries. A technical cooperation project to
establish an affirmative action policy and implementing mechanism has been
almost completed in Namibia.
32. ILO has a considerable
programme of activities in regard to migrant workers, and has taken part in the
deliberations within the United Nations on this subject. The ILO Committee of
Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations has just
concluded a general survey under article 19 of its Constitution on migrant
workers (published in early March 1999).
33. With regard to the World
Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related
Intolerance, ILO looks forward to working with the Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare for this conference. Its
objectives are directly in line with those of ILO, and ILO’s activities in this
area are complementary to those of the United Nations.
2. United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
34. Since 1950, the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has
undertaken a number of studies designed to expose the unscientific foundations
of racism and to show its close link to the social and economic context of the
society in which it exists. The Statement on Race (July 1950),6
followed by the Statement on the Nature of Race and Race Differences (June
1951),7 both of which were based on the latest findings of
scientific research at the time, rejected the idea that there were fundamental
differences due to race in the human species and unequivocally condemned the
theories based on the superiority of one or more races. Those two statements were
chiefly concerned with the biological and anthropological aspects of the
problem.
35. In 1978, the General
Conference of UNESCO, at its twentieth session, adopted the Declaration on Race
and Racial Prejudice,8 which condemns all theories that postulate inequalities
in the endowment or calling of different peoples. The Declaration seeks to
refute racist ideas and to combat the socio‑economic inequalities
underlying and reinforcing them. Since the adoption of the Declaration, the
Director‑General has submitted reports to the General Conference, and has
requested the States parties to provide him with information on the measures
that they have taken to implement the principles contained in the Declaration.
36. The “Slave Route” programme
is one of UNESCO’s most recent international projects for the elimination of
racism and racial discrimination. Launched in 1994, it aims to study the deep‑rooted
causes and methods of the slave trade together with the cultural consequences
and interactions that it has unleashed in and among the continents and regions
concerned. The project’s primary emphasis is the essential requirement of
historical truth and the duty to remember. The three major objectives of the
Slave Route project are: a historical study of the causes of the transatlantic
slave trade, the clarification of consequences and interactions to which it
gave rise, and the contribution of the project to the establishment of a
culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between races and peoples.
37. Among the different
activities UNESCO has undertaken to implement the Slave Route programme is a
detailed plan to prepare teaching material which has been drawn up by UNESCO’s
education sector with the financial assistance of the Norwegian aid agency and
the coordination unit of the Associated Schools Project. The plan has already
mobilized a network of 4,250 schools in 137 countries. UNESCO attaches great
importance to the visibility of that project which has already been widely
reported on in the press and the audio-visual media.
38. A joint cultural tourism
programme on the Slave Route has been carried out, in close cooperation with
the World Tourism Organization, the African culture and tourism ministries and
the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The programme aims to help the
countries involved to identify, restore and promote all the places, buildings
and physical symbols of the transatlantic slave trade.
39. Other events and meetings
have already taken place in Haiti, in Guadeloupe and in Cuba on cultural
interaction, national identity and society. Conferences on the African diaspora
are planned for Brazil, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. UNESCO is also
setting up a number of slavery museums to encourage remembrance in countries
that have asked for them.
II. Information
received from Governments
Lebanon
40. The Government of Lebanon
in its reply stated that: “The Government of the Lebanese Republic considers it
important to provide the necessary resources to States requiring assistance for
the implementation of their programmes to combat racial discrimination.”
41. “With regard to the World
Conference, the Government views the idea of establishing national machinery to
prepare the Conference, as was the case for the Fourth World Conference on
Women, as having merit, given the recommendations and proposals which such
machinery may submit to the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference. The
World Conference itself should hold an in-depth and measured debate on ways of
improving women’s opportunities for access to education and women’s
participation in all facets of political, economic and social life.”
III. Information received from non‑governmental
organizations
A. International
Human Rights Watch
42. Concerning the forthcoming World Conference, International Human
Rights Watch is of the view that the message of the World Conference should be
a positive one about the benefits of diversity and equality in the national and
international community. Governments should be encouraged to present their
“best practices” at the conference with respect to implementing the obligations
of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination and the discussion could be organized around specific models of
governmental programmes to prevent and remedy racist practices.
43. The Conference should
consider themes such as discrimination and exclusion in multiracial societies
where race is largely defined by skin colour; ethnic divisions in countries
experiencing conflicts similar to those in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or
Rwanda; the implications of economic globalization on the achievement of racial
equality worldwide; and the special burdens of people with multiple identities
such as relate to race and gender that compound discrimination, preventive
measures and effective remedies.
B. Minority
Right Group
44. Minority Right Group
welcomes the opportunity to enhance its cooperation with “experts” and other
non-governmental organizations in the preparatory process of the World
Conference and suggests the following issues to be considered in the Conference
agenda: globalization, racism and discrimination against minorities;
transnational corporations; ethnic conflict (ethnicity as fuel for conflict,
role of the media and conflicts); racism and citizenship; de facto
segregation; gender issues of racial discrimination; religion; preventive
measures; role of education; affirmative action; remedies and redress
mechanisms; and identity and emotional barriers.
IV. Status
of the Trust Fund for the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat
Racism and Racial Discrimination
45. In paragraph 27 of its
resolution 52/111, the General Assembly strongly appealed to all Governments,
intergovernmental and non‑governmental organizations and individuals in a
position to do so to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for the Programme
of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and,
to that end, requested the Secretary‑General to continue to undertake
appropriate contacts and initiatives to encourage contributions.
46. In paragraph 16 of its
resolution 1999/78, the Commission on Human Rights recognized the laudable and
generous efforts by donors that had made contributions to the Trust Fund, but
felt that those financial contributions had proved inadequate and that the General
Assembly should consider all ways and means of financing the Programme of
Action, including through the United Nations regular budget.
47. The contributions made by
the international community to the Trust Fund have remained below the levels
hoped for. In the light of the resources available, the Office of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will strive to the utmost to ensure
that the forthcoming activities are carried out. Contributions received from
1985 to May 1999 are reflected in the annex to the present report.
V. Conclusions
48. The World Conference
against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance will
be a unique and important opportunity to create a new world vision for the
fight against racism in the twenty‑first century. The contributions made
by the various United Nations bodies and organizations, Governments,
intergovernmental organizations and non‑governmental organizations to the
work of the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination continue to
reflect global and concerted efforts to address the issues and provide long‑lasting
solutions.
49. The communications received
by the Secretary-General and the deliberations of the Commission on Human
Rights at its fifty‑fifth session and during the meetings of its
open-ended Working Group bear witness to the strong support for the holding of
the World Conference. States Members of the United Nations, as well as non‑governmental
and other organizations, appear to have already mobilized themselves to provide
an impetus to the fight against racism and racial discrimination.
50. However, few of the activities
planned for the period 1994–1998 could be carried out owing to lack of funds. A
successful and productive World Conference will require necessary funding and
other resources to carry out preparatory activities at the international,
regional and national levels, and to cover the costs for the conference itself.
51. In its resolution 1999/78,
the Commission on Human Rights called upon all Governments, United Nations
bodies, the specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations, as well
as interested non‑governmental organizations, to contribute fully to the
effective implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to
Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
Notes
1 Official Records of the Economic and Social
Council, 1998, Supplement No. 3 (E/1998/23), chap. II, sect. A, resolution
1998/26.
2 Ibid., sect. VI, para. 44.
3 General Assembly resolution 2106 A (XX),
annex.
4 Official Records of the General Assembly,
Fifty-third Session, Supplement No. 18 (A/53/18), chap. VIII, decision
9 (53).
5 ILO, International Labour Conventions and
Recommendations, 1977–1995, vol. I (Geneva, International Labour Office,
1996), chap. I, Convention No. 111.
6 Booklet entitled Declaration on Race and
Racial Prejudice (Paris, UNESCO, 1979), chap. I.
7 Ibid., chap. II.
8 Ibid.
Annex
Trust Fund for the Programme
of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
I. Contributions received from 1985 to May 1999
|
Country |
Amount (US$) |
Paid in |
|
|
|
|
|
Algeria |
5 000.00 |
1999 |
|
Austria |
1 000.00 |
1986 |
|
|
5 000.00 |
1992 |
|
Bahamas |
500.00 |
1987 |
|
|
500.00 |
1988 |
|
Bangladesh |
1 000.00 |
1987 |
|
|
448.85 |
1992 |
|
Belgium |
1 500.00 |
1985 |
|
Cameroon |
2 711.00 |
1986 |
|
|
906.00 |
1989 |
|
Canada |
2 000.00 |
1986 |
|
China |
10 000.00 |
1987 |
|
Cyprus |
1 000.00 |
1998 |
|
Denmark |
8 000.00 |
1985 |
|
|
*205 303.00 |
1999 |
|
Dominica |
1 993.00 |
1992 |
|
|
2 002.00 |
1993 |
|
Finland |
5 000.00 |
1985 |
|
|
*29 429.00 |
1999 |
|
Germany |
4 000.00 |
1985 |
|
India |
10 000.00 |
1987 |
|
Indonesia |
2 500.00 |
1989 |
|
Italy |
4 000.00 |
1986 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1988 |
|
Jamaica |
500.00 |
1989 |
|
Japan |
10 000.00 |
1986 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1987 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1988 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1989 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1990 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1991 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1992 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1993 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1995 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1996 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1997 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1998 |
|
|
7 500.00 |
1999 |
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya |
10 000.00 |
1989 |
|
|
6 000.00 |
1993 |
|
Luxembourg |
5 934.00 |
1991 |
|
Malaysia |
500.00 |
1992 |
|
Netherlands |
5 000.00 |
1986 |
|
Nigeria |
2 000.00 |
1994 |
|
Norway |
10 000.00 |
1985 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1986 |
|
|
73 332.00 |
1994 |
|
|
78 762.00 |
1995 |
|
Republic of Korea |
3 000.00 |
1989 |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
1 000.00 |
1992 |
|
Spain |
1 000.00 |
1985 |
|
Swaziland |
760.00 |
1989 |
|
Sweden |
5 000.00 |
1985 |
|
|
7 997.00 |
1995 |
|
Syrian Arab Republic |
1 000.00 |
1987 |
|
Thailand |
1 000.00 |
1992 |
|
Tunisia |
2 000.00 |
1990 |
|
|
2 000.00 |
1993 |
|
Turkey |
5 000.00 |
1998 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
1999 |
|
Total |
455 274.85 |
|
Note: Asterisk (*) denotes contribution earmarked for World Conference.
|
Year |
Total amount contributed (US$) |
|
|
|
|
1985 |
34 500.00 |
|
1986 |
34 711.00 |
|
1987 |
37 500.00 |
|
1988 |
20 500.00 |
|
1989 |
27 666.00 |
|
1990 |
12 000.00 |
|
1991 |
15 934.00 |
|
1992 |
24 441.85 |
|
1993 |
20 002.00 |
|
1994 |
75 332.00 |
|
1995 |
96 759.00 |
|
1996 |
10 000.00 |
|
1997 |
10 000.00 |
|
1998 |
16 000.00 |
|
Non-governmental organizations and individuals |
Amount (US$) |
Paid in |
|
|
|
|
|
Saffron Walden and District Branch United Nations
Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
254.24 |
1998 |
II. Contributions
pledged
|
Country |
Amount (US$) |
Pledged in |
|
|
|
|
|
Cuba |
*1 000.00 |
1999 |
Note: Asterisk (*) denotes contribution earmarked for World Conference.
III. Contributions
available for 1999
(As at March 1999)
|
Country |
Amount (US$) |
|
Pledged in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Algeria |
5 000.00 |
|
March 1999 |
|
Cyprus |
1 000.00 |
|
May 1998 |
|
*Denmark |
205 303.00 |
|
January 1999 |
|
*Finland |
29 429.00 |
|
January 1999 |
|
Japan |
10 000.00 |
|
March 1998 |
|
|
7 500.00 |
|
February 1999 |
|
Turkey |
5 000.00 |
|
February 1998 |
|
|
10 000.00 |
|
April 1999 |
|
Total |
273 232.00 |
|
|
Note: Asterisk (*) denotes contribution earmarked for World Conference.