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Peter Willetts, Emeritus Professor of Global Politics
Primary Sources for The Voice of Which People?
A Primer on
The UN World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR)
31 August to 07 September 2001Durban, South Africa
Downloaded from the Hurights Osaka website of the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center at www.hurights.or.jp/wcar/E/doc/other/WCARPrimer.htm on 5 December 2012.
NGO Parallel Conference:
28 August to 01 September 2000
Prepared by Isis International-Manila
This primer provides information that women's groups, other NGOs, government bodies, intergovernmental agencies and international institutions will be able to use in their participation in the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR). It is also a helpful document for the media and other groups interested in receiving information and news on the Conference. This primer contains information on the different themes and issues of the WCAR, the NGO positions on issues, guidelines for participation, names and contact details of NGOs and other groups working around the issues at the WCAR, and other resources. (Please see p. 41 for the Directory.)
This primer is not the complete and sole source of information on the WCAR. Other sources of information are listed at the end of this primer.
This primer produced by Isis International-Manila has been uploaded on the Isis Website <http://www.isiswomen.org> and the Asia-Pacific NGO Coordinating Committee Website <http://www.hurights.or.jp/wcarasai.htm>. Printed copies are available from Isis International-Manila upon request.
(For downloading MS Word file [618k bite], please click here. If Macintosh, click with holding the "option" key, please.)
ContentsWhen and where is it going to be held?
What are the objectives of the WCAR?
What are the issues/themes that will be addressed in the WCAR?
Why the need for women's involvement in the WCAR?
Who can participate in the WCAR?
On-site accreditation for the WCAR
How can women's NGOs and other civil society organisations participate in the WCAR?
What are the NGO activities parallel to the WCAR?
What preparatory processes have taken place so far?
What are the other events in the lead up to and during the WCAR?
Draft Substance Programme of the WCAR NGO Forum
What are the other NGO initiatives around WCAR?
How can one use the WCAR process in local and national level work?
What are the logistical arrangements for the WCAR?
Where can WCAR-related information be accessed?
Directory of Organisations/Individuals Involved in the WCAR
Where can other WCAR-related information be accessed?
Web sites on the WCAR, Racism and Gender
About Isis International-Manila
What is Racism ?
The International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination defines racism as:
"Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms; in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life."NGOs and other civil society organisations define racism as:
...the mistreatment of a group of people on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, place of origin or ancestry. The term racism may also denote a blind and unreasoning hatred, envy or prejudice. (Women In Action magazine. Issue Nos. 1-2, 2000. Isis International-Manila.)What is the WCAR?
The UN World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR) is a meeting of government representatives and UN accredited organisations to review the gains made since the first World Conference Against Racism, and to draw action plans to further combat racism.
WCAR will focus on action-oriented and practical steps to eradicate racism, including measures of prevention, education and protection and the provision of effective remedies. It will be a unique and important opportunity to create a new world vision for the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance in the 21st century.
(Source: Website: http://www.unhchr.ch/ html/racism/index.htm)
When and where is it going to be held?
The conference will be held from 31 August to 07 September 2001 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, South Africa.
A parallel NGO conference will be held from 28 August to 01 September 2001, at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, next to the ICC, also in Durban. The Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) and the Hilton Hotel will also form part of the Conference site.
Time Line: The United Nations on Racism The first two conferences on racism took place during the 1970s and early 1980s, and were focused on the issue of apartheid. The WCAR 2001 will focus on a more expansive range which will include racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Following is a timeline of international events that lead up to WCAR:
1948 - Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide adopted by the UN General Assembly
1963 - UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination adopted by the UN General Assembly
1965 - International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination adopted by the UN General Assembly (Race Convention)
1966 - March 21st designated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in memory of the 69 people killed in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960
1969 - Race Convention entered into force
1971 - International Year for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
1972 to 1982 - Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
1978 - First World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, Geneva
1983 - Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, Geneva
1983 to 1992 - Second Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
1993 - UN Commission on Human Rights appoints a Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
1994 - UN Race Convention ratified by U.S. Senate
1994 to 2003 - Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
(Source: Website: http://www.ew2000plus.org/racism_packet.htm)
What are the objectives of the WCAR?
The objectives of the Conference are:
1. to review the progress made in the fight against racism and racial discrimination and reappraise the obstacles to further progress in the field and ways to overcome them;
2. to increase the level of awareness about the scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
3. to review the political, historical, economic, social, cultural and other factors leading to racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia; and
4. to formulate concrete recommendations to further action-oriented national, regional and international measures to combat all forms of racism.
What are the issues/themes that will be addressed in the WCAR?
The First Session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) adopted the following slogan for the World Conference, "United to combat racism: Equality, Justice, Dignity." The PrepCom also adopted the following five broad themes for the provisional agenda:
1. Sources, causes, forms and contemporary manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;2. Victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
3. Measures of prevention, education and protection aimed at the eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at national, regional and international levels;
4. Provision of effective remedies, recourse, redress and other [compensatory] measures, at national, regional and international levels; and
5. Strategies to achieve full and effective equality, including international co-operation and enhancement of the UN and other international mechanisms in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including follow-up procedures.
*Note that the word "compensatory" in theme four is in square brackets because there was no general agreement on including this term.
(Source: Website: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/index.htm)
Who are organising the WCAR?
Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been named Secretary General for the Conference and the Geneva-based UN High Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) will act as the official preparatory committee. Hamid Gaham, a senior human rights officer, has been appointed as the focal point person for the preparations. He may be reached by Fax (41-22) 917-0001 or by E-mail at <hgaham.hchr@unog.ch>.
The South African National NGO Coalition or SANGOCO leads the Organising Committee for the NGO Forum. The contact person is Mr. Moshe More. He may be reached at: <moshe@sangoco.org.za>.
Why the need for women's involvement in the WCAR?
The issue of racism manifests itself in a range of issues like globalisation, caste issues, situations of armed conflict and other race-related violence, migration, trafficking in persons, indigenous peoples' concerns, environment, and human rights. Racism and racial and/or ethnic discrimination, both historical and contemporary, play an insidious role in fuelling or exacerbating both conflict situations and manifestations of social injustice in society today.
Racial discrimination, however, does not always affect women and men equally or in similar ways. Both women and men face compounded or intersectional discrimination as a result of their race, class, caste, ethnicity, sexuality, religion and national origin. For women, the site of discrimination against them, even that which is racially or ethnically motivated, is often their sexuality or their reproductive roles. By not taking gender into account, certain forms of racism may go undetected. Likewise, with class and other mediating factors. This is why the intersectionality approach is an important one. Failure to respond to the nuanced manifestation of racism will have serious and widespread consequences.
The WCAR as a global conference will result in governments setting international human rights standards and commitments for action to combat racism, that will build on the gains from other international instruments as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Beijing Platform For Action (BPFA), Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), etc. This is therefore another occasion for women to put women's issues in the international agenda and push for practical and strategic remedies and solutions to social injustice resulting from the intersectionality of gender, race, class and ethnicity.
Who can participate in the WCAR?
The World Conference is open to the following participants referred to in the UN General Assembly resolution 54/154 of December 1999:
(a) All States Members of the United Nations and States Members of the specialised agencies;
(b) Representatives of all regional organisations and regional commissions involved in the preparation of regional meetings, as well as associate members of the regional commissions;
(c) Representatives of organisations that have received a standing invitation from the General Assembly to participate as observers;
(d) Representatives of the specialised agencies, the secretariats of the regional commissions and all United Nations bodies and programmes;
(e) Representatives of all United Nations mechanisms in the field of human rights;
(f) Other interested non-governmental organisations, which shall participate as observers; and
(g) Interested non-governmental organisations, which shall participate as observers in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996.
All participants described therein must register for the Conference. Registration forms and instructions are available from the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights Website: <http://www.unhchr.ch/html/ racism/index.htm>.
Pre-accreditation period for all participants began on 21 May 2001 and ended on 15 July 2001. All delegations are requested to submit their official delegation list to the WCAR Secretariat.
All participants are requested to strictly adhere to the deadline dates and are required to submit a duly completed Conference registration form and to attach two (2) passport size photographs. Each photograph should bear the family name and first name of the participant on the reverse side of the photograph. Accreditation for spouses will be processed on an ad-hoc basis on-site in South Africa.
All completed registration forms should be sent to:
Ms. Sarah-Jayne Brodier
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
World Conference against Racism Secretariat
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Fax: (41-22) 917-9050/9056
Website:<http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/>On-site accreditation for the WCAR
On-site accreditation during the World Conference will take place at Hall 6 located within the compound of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. Participants will be required to complete a Conference registration form which shall be presented to the accrediting officers of the WCAR Secretariat. Once an accreditation has been approved the participant will pass through the photo and badge production stages inside the Hall 6 area. Participants who observed the pre-accreditation deadline will proceed directly to claim their photo-identification participant badge.
As of printing/uploading time, the French version of the registration form has been uploaded on the OHCHR website while the Spanish version will be posted soon.
Media Accreditation
All media representatives planning to cover the Conference should contact:
Ms. Sonia Lecca
Department of Public Information
Room S-0250A
United Nations
New York 10017
United States of America
Tel: (1-212) 963-6934
Fax: (1-212) 963-4642How can women's NGOs and other civil society organisations participate in the WCAR?
* Non-governmental organisations that have been accredited to the World Conference process may participate in any of the meetings/consultations. To do so, they must apply for their representatives' credentials.
* NGOs with UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Status wishing to accredit representatives, and those indigenous peoples/organisations accredited to participate in the Working Group of the Commission on Human Rights on the draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples may send their requests to:
Ms. Catherine Bremont
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Room PW 1-051, Palais des Nations
8-14 avenue dela Paix
CH- 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: (41-22) 917-9262
Fax: (41-22) 917-9011
E-mail: <cbremont.hchr@unog.ch>* NGOs without ECOSOC Status can be accredited by applying to the Conference Secretariat (OHCHR) with the required documentation (which may be obtained from the OHCHR Website: <http://www.unchr.ch>. The Secretariat requires at least six weeks to process an application. Send application to:
Ms. Sandra Aragon
Secretariat for World Conference against Racism
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Room PW 4-040, Palais des Nations
8-14 avenue de la Paix, CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: (41-22) 917-9129
Fax: (41-22) 917-9050
E-mail: <saragon.hchr@unog.ch>Procedure for NGOs:
1. For each WCAR-related meeting, send a separate letter listing the persons who will represent the NGO.
2. Letters requesting credentials should list every member of the delegation, including the name of annual representatives in possession of valid identity badges issued by the Security and Safety Section of the United Nations.
3. Letters requesting credentials should be signed by a duly authorised officer and sent on letterhead by fax or by mail (no requests for credentials sent by E-mail will be taken into account).
Procedure for Indigenous Peoples/Organisations:
1. For each WCAR-related meeting, send a separate letter listing the persons who will represent the indigenous people/organisation.
2. Letters requesting credentials should clearly indicate whether visas are needed and if so, for which participant(s).
3. Letters requesting credentials should be sent on letterhead by fax or by mail (no requests for credentials sent by E-mail will be taken into account).
Applicant NGOs and indigenous peoples/organisations will be informed about the status of their request(s) for credentials. They are advised to bring with them a copy of the acceptance letter sent by the Secretariat when they go to the meeting.
Non-governmental organisations are reminded that if the number of NGO representatives exceeds the number of available seats, it will be necessary to allocate seats based on the number of NGOs accredited to the meeting. Should the number of NGOs accredited to the meeting be larger than the number of available seats, a rotation system will be put into place, one seat per NGO.
Procedure for the Youth Summit
Individuals wishing to participate in the Youth Summit must be registered for the NGO Forum. WCAR Secretary-General Mary Robinson has stressed the importance of the youth's participation in the World Conference and has actively encouraged states to include the youth in their official delegations to the WCAR. Funding is available for about 30 youth representatives to attend the Youth Summit and the WCAR. Delegates should be members of official government delegations.
Youth leaders who are not part of the NGO network may attend the Youth Summit upon invitation of the International Youth Committee and the Youth Task Team. The contact persons for the Youth Task Team are:
* Major Kobese at <major@wcar.sangoco.org>
* Mokoka Seshabela at <saayc@sn.apc.org>.At the WCAR Youth Secretariat, you may contact: Birgit Van Hout <bvanhout.hchr@unog.ch>.
What are the NGO activities parallel to the WCAR?
A parallel NGO conference will be held from 28 August to 01 September 2001 at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, next to the ICC, in Durban.
The purpose of this Forum is to provide civil society with a space of its own to present perspectives on the themes of the Conference, establish consensus on proposals, strategies and priorities to convey to the Conference; undertake actions to gain visibility of the different actors and sectors; focus on future plans, among others.
The NGO Forum is a favorable space for civil society organisations seeking to create an impact in the process of the World Conference. It is an opportunity to express the proposals of civil society relating to the needs and visions that the peoples wish to channel to their governments and the international community.
The NGO Forum is not just an event but also a process, oriented to building the participation of civil society, and encouraging national, subregional, regional and sectoral processes, that allow for the expression of as many voices as possible. In this way, each organisation, process, movement or entity can participate according to their field of interest.
Registration forms for the NGO Forum are available from the SANGOCO Website: <http://www.racism.org.za>.
What preparatory processes have taken place so far?
A series of regional meetings, NGO gatherings, expert seminars and political negotiations over the final document to be adopted at the end of WCAR has been going on and will continue in the lead up to Durban. Intergovernmental regional preparatory meetings have been held in Europe (Strasbourg, October 2000), Asia (Teheran, Iran February 2001), Latin America and the Caribbean (Santiago de Chile, December 2000) and Africa (Dakar, November 2000). In addition, a Regional Conference of the Americas which analysed and gave recommendations on particular issues experienced in the Americas--effects of globalisation, and vulnerable groups, e.g., people of African descent, indigenous people, migrants, women, and children, was likewise held from 04 to 07 December 2000.
There have also been expert group meetings organised by the UN with specific themes relevant to the region. These were:
* Europe (Warsaw), 05-07 July 2000. Theme: "Protection of Minorities and Other Vulnerable Groups and Strengthening Human Rights Capacity at the National Level"* Asia (Bangkok), 05-07 September 2000. Theme: "Migrant Workers and Trafficking of Persons, with Particular Reference to Women and Children"
* Africa (Addis Ababa), 04-06 October 2000. Theme: "Preventing Ethnic and Racial Conflict"
* Latin America (Santiago de Chile), 25-27 October 2000. Theme: Economic, Social and Legal Measures to Combat Racial Discrimination, with Particular Reference to Vulnerable Groups"
The draft programme of action was prepared by the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) taking into account the regional declarations and programmes of action, recommendations from the expert group meetings and NGO inputs. (Source: Connect Vol. 4, Fall 2000.)
Preparatory Committee and Intercessional Meetings
1. First Preparatory Committee Meeting - Geneva, Switzerland, 01-05 May 2000. The WCAR theme of "United to Combat Racism: Equality, Justice, Dignity," as well as the five broad themes in the provisional agenda (see page 4) were identified in this meeting. In addition, it also set the Rules of Procedure and formed the Drafting Committee.
2. Second Preparatory Committee Meeting -Geneva, Switzerland, 21 May - 01 June 2001. The Second PrepCom, tackled the draft Declaration and Programme of Action. Over 600 paragraphs of text were negotiated. During the two-week meeting delegates finalised discussions on a draft preamble to the Declaration and made some headway in consolidating the remaining draft texts.
It must be noted that after the Second PrepCom, the Group of 21 (G21), an aggrupation composed of four government representatives of each of the five regions plus South Africa, was formed. G21 was tasked to prepare the draft programme of action for the Third PrepCom that will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 30 July to 10 August 2001. In preparation for the Third PrepCom, G21 was asked to:
* make proposals for further reorganisation of the text including determining the location of paragraphs;
* make proposals for merging or consolidating paragraphs;
* make proposals for deleting paragraphs ; and
* make proposals so that the text will be more compact and workable to facilitate the negotiations.The group has already submitted a report containing its proposals to the PrepCom along with an extensive note by its Chair explaining the status of various proposals and noting that agreements still have to be negotiated.
The documents compiled by the G21 will be transmitted to NGO partners. It must be explained that there are numerous provisions of the documents submitted by the G21 on which the views of Governments differ substantially. It will be the task of the PrepCom at its third session, starting on 30 July, to help reach agreement on these provisions.
3. Intersessional Open-ended Working Group Meeting - Geneva, Switzerland, 06-09 March 2001. This gathering discussed the specific issues of disadvantaged groups and action points for input into the draft WCAR declaration and programme of action.
4. Intersessional Open-ended Working Group Meeting - Geneva, Switzerland, 07-11 May 2001. This meeting consolidated the documents that came of out the regional meetings and, thus, came up with the draft of the WCAR declaration and programme of action.
The World Conference Secretariat has also held several meetings with United Nations agencies and other intergovernmental organisations (i.e. UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, ILO, IOM, ICRC and the World Bank) interested in the objectives and themes of the World Conference. Agencies/organisations confirmed that they aimed for high level representation of their agency at the World Conference and stressed their commitment to lobby with government delegations for language of specific concern to them in the draft global Declaration and Programme of Action. One recommendation resulting from the inter-agency meetings was that agencies should make provision for WCAR follow-up in their programming and budgeting for the year 2002.
A panel discussion on 'Discrimination and Racial Prejudice: The Challenge at Work' was likewise held on 30 May 2001 in Geneva, Switzerland in conjunction with the Second PrepCom. This joint OHCHR/ILO event served as a curtain raiser for the events in Durban that will tackle the topic 'Equality and Diversity at the Workplace.' Charles Hodson from CNN Business Newsweek moderated the interactive discussion between Sven Eckerstein, Deputy CEO and VP of Human Resources, Volvo Car Corporation; Bokkie Botha, Chairperson, International Affairs Committee of Business, and the National Confederal Business Organisation of South Africa; Gay McDougall, Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; David Onyalo, National Director, Anti Racism and Human Rights Department, Canadian Labour Congress; and John Wrench, Danish Centre for Migration and Ethnic Studies, University of Southern Denmark.
Apart from these official meetings, a number of national and regional NGO meetings have been held around the world. For NGOs, the negotiations over the text of the programme of action became the focus of their lobby, as the document contains concrete commitments of the governments to combat racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance. Some of the NGO Meetings that have been held so far are:
1. Asia NGO Coordination Meeting - Colombo, Sri Lanka, 23-24 October 2000. This first meeting of NGOs in the region discussed the overall strategic course of action and lobbying strategies for the WCAR.
2. Parallel Asia-Pacific NGO Forum -Teheran, Iran, 17-19 February 2001.
Over 300 participants representing a diversity of racial, national and ethnic minority, religious and sectoral groupings attended at the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), in Tajrish, Teheran. The meeting provided an opportunity for activists and representatives from various sectors to share their experiences, strategies and analyses around issues of racism, caste-, race- and ethnic-based discrimination, and all other forms of discrimination towards formulating a common declaration and recommendations. A lobby training workshop was also conducted during this meeting.
3. Kathmandu NGO Netwoking Meeting - Kathmandu, Nepal, 27-29 April 2001. This meeting was held to strengthen and endorse the Asia Pacific NGO Declaration; to make specific language recommendations to the AP NGO Declaration: and to lobby for improvements in the UN WCAR Declaration and Programme for Action. Moreover, the Kathmandu Programme for Action which delineates the concrete plans, strategies, and campaigns of Asia Pacific NGOs was formulated.
4. African and African-Descendant People Gather for the WCAR - Vienna, Austria, 28-29 April 2001. About 100 African and African-descendant non-governmental organisations and individuals from Europe, Africa, North America, the Caribbean, and Asia gathered to discuss and plan their participation in WCAR.
The meeting came out of a concern that the preparations for the WCAR have so far given little attention to anti-black racism. This was observed at the European Regional Meeting held in Strasbourg, France in October 2000 where discussion of anti-black racism was muted and not mentioned in the documents that came out of that preparatory meeting.
5. European NGO Forum prior to official regional meeting - Strasbourg, France, 10 -11 October 2000. The NGOs representatives who came to this meeting discussed issues of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia as well as other forms of religious intolerance in Europe. They reaffirmed their determination and commitment to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance whether in their institutionalised form, resulting from doctrines and practices of so-called 'racial superiority' or exclusivity or any other varied manifestations of such phenomena.
6. Networking meeting of NGOs from Eastern and Central Europe and Central Asia - Warsaw, Poland, 15-18 November 2000. Three documents emerged from this networking meeting which brought together 115 NGOs from Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.: (1) a statement addressed to the World Conference, (2) recommendations for the NGO Forum and, (3) an appeal concerning the situation in Chechnya.
7. NGO Forum prior to the Regional Conference for the Americas - Santiago, Chile, 03-04 December 2000. Participants to this meeting affirmed that one of the most hidden forms of racism in the Americas is that which affects the Indo-mestizo population, who are denied cultural recognition of their indigenous affiliation. In addition, the NGO delegates to this meeting declared that slavery and servitude, the effects of which continue to exist under the wing of racist and colonialist ideology, were crimes against humanity.
8. Networking meeting of African NGOs - Gaborone, Botswana, 08-13 January 2001. This meeting declared that globalisation, institutionalised racism and racial discrimination which manifest themselves in the macro-economic policies imposed on African nations by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Paris Club, and other similar institutions constitute the major causes of the continuous deterioration of the African socio-economic situation. Compounded by the socio-economic burden of debt, corruption and economic injustice, the problems also lead to the feminisation of poverty and intra-state ethnic and racial conflicts.
9. WCAR NGO Forum of the Americas - Quito, Ecuador, 13-16 March 2001.
This meeting solicited the views of different civil society actors on themes related to the WCAR. Moreover, it also sought consensus on proposals and priorities to take to the conference and the parallel NGO Forum. The meeting was organised by Agencia Lationamericana de Informacion (ALAI) and Human Rights Internet (HRI).
What are the other events in the lead up to and during the WCAR?
A number of meetings and other events are being planned between the Third Preparatory Committee Meeting (PrepCom) which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 30 July to 10 August 2001 and the actual Conference and NGO Forum in Durban. Following is a partial list:
* CERD Meetings - The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) will meet in Geneva (at Palais des Nations) from 30 July to 17 August 2001. The initial and/or periodic reports which are scheduled for consideration are those of Italy (on 30-31 July), China (31 July 01 August), Trinidad and Tobago (01-02 August), Cyprus (02-03 August), USA (03-06 August), Sri Lanka (07-08 August), Vietnam (08-09 August), Ukraine (09-10 August) and Lithuania (10-11 August).While NGOs are not allowed to speak at CERD meetings, they may observe the public meetings of CERD. To gain entry, an ID badge issued by the United Nations Office in Geneva, that is also required for the third PrepCom, is sufficient.
* Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights Meeting - This event will coincide with the CERD meet and will take up a wide range of human rights issues, including racial discrimination, situation of migrant workers, protection of minorities, and human rights of indigenous peoples. Some of the studies underway include the concept and practice of affirmative action, the rights of non-citizens, globalisation and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights, indigenous peoples and their relationship to land, and discrimination based on work and descent. Only NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status may make oral statements at this meeting.
* Working Group of Indigenous Populations (WGIP) of the Sub-Commission Meeting will meet for one week immediately prior to the Sub-Commission, or the third PrepCom which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 30 July to 10 August 2001. In addition to having ECOSOC status, only NGOs and indigenous organisations specifically accredited to the WGIP may participate in the discussion.
In Durban, a big number of events consisting of workshops, panel discussions, exhibits, cultural shows, among others, will take place both at the official conference and at the NGO Forum. Following is a partial listing:
Events Organised by the UN OHCHR and Other UN Agencies
Date Event UN Agency 31 August
Global Compact related event on 'Diversity in the Workplace'
04 September
Panel on 'Affirmative Action' and/or 'Policy of Diversity and Equality'
International Labour Office and OHCHR
01 September
Panel on 'Racism and Development'
03-05 September
Conference on 'Racism and Public Policy'
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
02 September
Meeting of parliamentarians on 'Actions of Parliaments and their members in the fight against racism'
International Parliamentary Union
02 September
Panel on the 'Impact of Multiple Forms of Discrimination Against Women
OHCHR and the Division for the Advancement of Women
04 September
Child Rights' Event linking the WCAR with the General Assembly Special Session on Children
OHCHR, UN Children's Education Fund and the Rights of the Child
01 September
Indigenous media dialogue on Racism
OHCHR
05 September
Consultation on the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
OHCHR
01 - 02 September
International Seminar on the Protection of Minority Rights
OHCHR
03 - 05 September
International Conference on Racism and Public Policy
UNRISD
WCAR Youth Summit
A Youth Summit from the evening of 26 August through 27 August is being organised by the South Africa-based WCAR Youth Secretariat, Youth Task Team and the International Youth Committee. Some 200 young adults (under 30 years of age), representing all geographical regions, are expected to gather to discuss issues of particular concern to them in the struggle against racism. They will elaborate a Youth Statement and Plan of Action that will be presented at the NGO Forum and World Conference.
Draft Substance Programme of the
WCAR NGO Forum
(28 August to 1 September 2001)
Durban, South Africa
1st day - 27 AugustMorning till Afternoon: Arrival and Registration of delegates
Evening: Welcome Message--Mayor of Durban Metro
Cultural Events2nd day - 28 August
OPENING CEREMONY
8h30 - 8h55 Cultural Events
9h00 - 9h40 Opening and Welcome Message - Sangoco President
9h50 - 10h30 Official Address - South African President.
10h40 - 11h00 Official Address - UN Secretary General
END OF CEREMONY
11h30 - 12h30 PLENARY SESSION
- Election of Officers
- Adoption of Agenda
- Adoption of rules of procedure
- Establishment of Credentials Committee
- Establishment of Drafting CommitteesAt this point, participants will move from the International Convention Centre to Kingsmead Stadium.
13h30 - 15h30 FOCUS ON THEME 1
EVENTS:
PANEL DISCUSSION - MAIN HALL A
PANEL DISCUSSION - MAIN HALL B
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW1-NW 10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW11-NW 20
INTEREST GROUPS - ROOM SW1-SW 10Exhibitions, stalls, cultural events and all other events will take place at the Parking Space throughout the day.
15h30 - 17h30
PUBLIC HEARINGS - MAIN HALL A
EVENTS - MAIN HALL B
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-NW 10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW 11-2016h00 - 18h00 THEMATIC COMMISSIONS - ROOM SW 1-10
17h30 - 19h30
CONCERTS - MAIN HALL A/B
CAUCUSES - ROOM SW 1-SW 10
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-NW 10
EVENTS - ROOM NW 11-NW 2019h30 - 21h00 COMMITTEE MEETINGS
3rd day -29 August
FOCUS ON THEME 2
08h30 - 9h00 CULTURAL EVENTS
09h00 - 11h00 PLENARY SESSIONS
- MAIN HALL A & B
- Briefings on last days work
- Regional Reports
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-1011h00 - 13h00
PANEL DISCUSSIONS - MAIN HALL A & B
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW 11-20
INTEREST GROUPS - ROOM SW 1-1013h00 -15h00
CULTURAL EVENTS - MAIN HALL A & B
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW 11-15
INTEREST GROUPS - ROOM NW 16-2014h00 - 16h00 THEMATIC COMMISSIONS - ROOM SW 1 - 10
15h00 - 17h00
PUBLIC HEARINGS & CONCERTS - MAIN HALLS A & B
CAUCUSES - ROOM NW 1-10
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 11 - 20
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM SW 1 - 1017h30 - 20h00 COMMITTEE MEETINGS
4th day - 30 August
FOCUS ON THEME 3
08h30 - 9h00 CULTURAL EVENTS
09h00 - 10h00
PLENARY SESSIONS - MAIN HALL A & B
- Briefings on last days work
WORKSHOPS ROOM NW 1-1010h30 - 13h00
PANEL DISCUSSIONS - MAIN HALL A & B
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW 11-20
INTEREST GROUPS - ROOM SW 1-1013h00 -15h00
PUBLIC HEARINGS - MAIN HALL A & B
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW 11-15
INTEREST GROUPS - ROOM NW 16-2014h00 - 16h00 THEMATIC COMMISSIONS - ROOM SW 1-10
15h00 - 17h00
CULTURAL EVENTS & CONCERTS - MAIN HALLS A & B
CAUCUSES - ROOM NW 1-10
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 11-20
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM SW 1-1017h30 - 20h00 COMMITTEE MEETINGS
5th day - 31 August
FOCUS ON THEME 4
08h30 - 9h00 CULTURAL EVENTS
09h00 - 10h00
PLENARY SESSIONS - MAIN HALL A & B
- Briefings on last days work
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-1010h30 - 13h00
PANEL DISCUSSIONS - MAIN HALL A & B
WORKSHOPS ROOM NW 1-10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW 11-20
INTEREST GROUPS - ROOM SW 1-1013h00 -15h00
PUBLIC HEARINGS - MAIN HALL A & B
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 1-10
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM NW 11-15
INTEREST GROUPS - ROOM NW 16-2014h00 - 16h00 THEMATIC COMMISSIONS - ROOM SW 1-10
15h00 - 17h00
CULTURAL EVENTS & CONCERTS - MAIN HALLS A & B
CAUCUSES - ROOM NW 1-10
WORKSHOPS - ROOM NW 11-20
ROUNDTABLES - ROOM SW 1-1017h30 - 20h00 COMMITTEE MEETINGS
6th day - 01 September
8h30 - 9h00 CULTURAL EVENTS
9h00 - 10h00 CAUCUSES
10h00 - 13h00 PLENARY
- Briefings
- Draft Resolutions (P.O.A) discussions and adoption
- Draft Declaration - discussions and adoption
- Continuation of workshops and other events13h00 - 15h00 CLOSING CEREMONY
- Cultural Events
- Closing Address - Mary Robinson (WCAR Secretary General)
- Closing Address - Dr. Nelson R. Mandela
- Vote of thanksAccredited delegates will be requested to join the to the official conference (UN WCAR).
EXPLANATORY NOTES:
1. PANELS
Each panel will consist of a keynote speaker, 2 respondents, a facilitator, a rapporteur and participants. Each presenter and respondent will be given fifteen (15) minutes to make an input. Panelists will present based on sub-themes to be delegated to them, prior the NGO Forum.
2. THEMATIC COMMISSIONS
Commissions will be divided into 10 thematic issues. These are issues that have been identified to constitute a general application, internationally. Issues and language from the Commissions will feed directly into the NGO Declaration and Programme of Action. Each thematic commission will consist of a facilitator, a rapporteur, a resource person and participants.
THEMATIC COMMISSIONS A - to meet on 28 and 29 August
from 2:00 to 5:00 pm
1. Multiple Forms of Discrimination
2. Roma, Sinti, Nomads, Pastoralists and Travellers
3. Refugees, Migrants, Displaced People and Trafficking
4. Information, Communication and Media
5. Institutionalized Racism and Criminal Justice
6. Health and Discrimination
7. New Forms of Apartheid
8. Hate Crimes, Hate Groups
9. Reparations (Compensatory Measures)
10. Environmental Racism(Update: from the 3 August 2001 Onsite Reports on the WCAR III PrepComm Meeting in Geneva, a new list of Thematic Commissions for the WCAR NGO Forum has been itemized in the following alphabetical order:
1. Administration of Justice and Criminal Justice
2. African Descendants
3. Antisemitism
4. Colonialism/Foreign Occupation
5. Dalits and Caste Discrimination
6. Disabled
7. Displaced Persons/Migrants/Refugees/Asylum Seekers
8. Education, Information, Communication and Media
9. Ethnic Minorities
10. Gender
11.Globalization, Poverty, Social Exclusion and Environmental Racism
12. Hate Crime and Hate Groups/Ethnic Cleansing/Conflict Genocide
13. Health and HIV/AIDS
14. Indigenous Peoples
15. Palestinians/NewForms of Apartheid
16. Religious Intolerance
17. Reparations and Compensation
18. Roma
19. Sexual Orientation
20. Slavery and Slave Trade
21. Trafficking
22. Youth and ChildrenOther NGO EVENTS
* Special Forum on Comparative Experiences of Racism and Racial Discrimination: Voices of the Victims - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on 02-06 September. The Special Forum would consist of a series of panels featuring speakers from around the world who will give testimony on their encounters with discrimination on the basis of race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin. Organisers: Gay McDougall and Nozipho January-Bardill, members of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Barney Pityana, Chair of the South African Human Rights Commission* Workshop entitled "Breaking Through the Vicious Cycle of Humiliation: Strategies for Racial Justice Through Human Rights Education - 02 or 03 September - Organisers: Shulamith Koenig, People's Decade of Human Rights Education, People's Movement for Human Rights Education
Grassroots community groups
Grassroots community groups across the city of Durban also referred to as the Concerned Citizens Forum are planning their own action. They will call for an end to cost-recovery in poor townships, an end to evictions, a halt to commercialisation and privatisation of services and a renewed focus on meeting basic needs.
In the Asia-Pacific region, members of the Asia-Pacific NGO Coordinating Committee, have likewise planned a number of activities.
Date
Time
Title
Coordinator/Sponsor
28 August
1-3 p.m.
Workshop on Racism and Globalisation
Workshop on Gender and Racism (women in armed conflict, ethnic minority women, religious minorities, indigenous women)
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Workshop on Armed Conflict, Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons, Indigenous, Migrants-Philippine situationer
Bayan
Workshop on Asia Pacific Priority Issues
Workshop on Trafficking
29 August
Asia-Pacific workshop on Caste
Workshop on Migration
Migrants Forum Asia
1-3 p.m.
Workshop on Israeli forms of Apartheid and Colonialism
3-5 p.m.
Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons, Armed Conflict and Globalisation
3-5 p.m.
Workshop on Indigenous Persons
Asia -Pacific NGO Coordinating Committee
5-7 p.m.
Committee Meetings (please see SANGOCO programme)
Evening
GAINS (Women of Caste)
Celebration30 August
9 a.m. -3 p.m.
Migrants Day - Public Hearing on Migration
CARAM
World Court of Women Against Racism (focus on Trafficking survivors)
Asian Women's Human Rights Council
Rally on the issue of Migration (after the public hearing on Migration
Workshop on lobbying
31 August
10-11:30 a.m.
Rally in support of the struggle against Caste
1-3 p.m.
Rally in support of the Palestinian people, refugees, ethnic minorities, Internally Displaced Persons
01 September
3-5 p.m.
Anti-Globalisation Rally
Panel Discussion on Gender, Media and Racism
Isis International- Manila
Women's Human Rights: Universality versus Specificity
South-South Initiative
Body Occupied Territories
Development Alternatives for Women in the New Era
Intersectionality of Race and Gender
Asia-Pacific Women in Law and Development
Partial listing of exhibits and cultural events to be sponsored by Asia-Pacific NGOs
Exhibits* Multi Media Exhibit on Youth, Militarisation and Exclusion by the International Center for Ethnic Studies* Multi Media Exhibit on Migrants by Nepali NGOs
* Women's Quilt Exhibition of Survivors of Racism
* Violence Against Racial Women in South East Asia by FORUM ASIA
* Women's League of Burma
* Atrocities and Discrimination Against Dalits
Cultural Events
1. 29 August - Evening of Celebration with Dalit WomenAPWLD and Ruth Manorama of the National Federation of Dalit Women (NFDW - India)
2. Cultural event that would show the links between racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and militarisation and neo-colonialism - International Centre for Ethnic Studies (Sri Lanka), Center for Women's Development (Sri Lanka); Asian Indigenous Peoples' Pact and Te Kawau Maro
3. Dalit cultural programme on the status of Dalits
Workshops, Panels and Roundtable Discussions
1. Sharing of Tragedy by Dalit Victims2. Burmese NGOs Panel / Workshop on Burmese displaced persons, refugees, migrants in the Asia-Pacific
3. Roundtable on Refugees by the Center for Refugee Research
4. Various Forms of Conflicts in Indonesia (by Indonesian groups)
5. Personal Testimonies - to be coordinated by the Asia-Pacific Women in Law and Development
Caucuses
Asia Pacific Caucus
28 August 5:30-7:30 p.m. SW1-SW10
29 August 3-5 p.m. NW1-10
30 August 3-5 p.m. NW1-NW10
31 August 3-5 p.m. NW1-NW10
01 September 9-10 a.m.South South Initiative - dates, time and venues will be announced later
Please note that these are the only details available as of uploading/printing time. Watch out for more details and other activity announcements on this site.
What are the NGO structures set up to facilitate NGO participation at the WCAR and the parallel NGO Forum?
In order to take this process forward, different NGO structures have been formed, whose mission is to take the information to each subregion (and their respective countries) and to facilitate the creation of democratic spaces of co-ordination, that will make it possible for individual organisations to define agendas, strategies and priorities for the NGO Forum and the Conference.
One such NGO structure is the Asia-Pacific/Middle East WCAR NGO Body (also referred to as the Asia-Pacific NGO Coordinating Committee (APNGOCC)). The APNGO CC members are:
South Asia
Paul Divakar
Sector/Issue: Caste
Country: India
Organisation: National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights (NCHRD), IndiaSunila Abeysekera
Sector/Issue: Gender, Ethnicity and Armed Conflict
Country: Sri Lanka
Organisation: INFORMRuth Manorama
Sector/Issue: Caste/Gender
Country: India
Organisation: National Federation for Dalit WomenDurga Sob
Sector/Issue: Caste
Country: Nepal
Organisation: Dalit NGO Federation/National Dalit Preparatory Committee For WCAR, Nepal (NDNPC)Sherine Xavier
Sector/Issue: National Minorities
Country: Sri Lanka
Organisation: Home for Human RightsSivapragasam PP
Sector/Issue: National Minorities
Country: Sri Lanka
Organisation: Human Development OrganizationPadmalal Biswakarma
Sector/Issue: Caste
Country: Nepal
Organisation: Dalit Liberation Society/National Dalit Preparatory Committee for WCAR, Nepal (NDNPC)South East Asia
Elisa Tita Lubi
Sector/Issue: Migrants
Country: Philippines
Organisation: GABRIELA; Philippine Network Preparing for WCARJerald Joseph
Sector/Issue: National Minorities
Country: Malaysia
Organisation: Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)Ita Fatia Nadia
Sector/Issue: Gender
Country: Indonesia
Organisation: Solidaritas PerempuanPacific
Tauni Anthony Sinclair
Sector/Issue: Indigenous People
Country: New Zealand
Organisation: Te Kawau Maro , Indigenous Peoples Maori OrganisationArab Region
Nizam Assaf
Sector/Issue: Palestinian Issues
Country: Jordan
Organisation: Arab Organisation for Human RightsSaied Neshat
Sector/Issue:Refugees
Country: Iran
Organisation: Organisation for Defending Victims of Violence [ODVV]East Asia
Kazuhiro Kawamoto
Sector/Issue: Caste
Country: Japan
Organisation: HURIGHTS-OsakaRegional Organisations
Susanna George
Sector/Issue: Media/ Gender
Country: Philippines
Organisation: Isis International ManilaVictoria Tauli-Corpuz
Sector/Issue: Indigenous
Country: Philippines
Organisation: TEBTEBBA - Indigenous Peoples International; Asian Indigenous Women's NetworkMary Jane Real
Sector/Issue: Gender
Country: Thailand
Organisation: Asia-Pacific Forum on Women Law and DevelopmentIrene Fernandez
Sector/Issue: Migrant, HIV-AIDS
Country: Malaysia
Organisation: Coordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility (CARAM -AsiaTim Gill
Sector/Issue: Caste/Religious Minority
Country: Hong Kong
Organisation: Asian Human Rights CommissionMalou Alcid
Sector/Issue: Migrants
Country: Hong Kong
Organisation: Migrants Forum AsiaMushakoji
Sector/Issue: Caste
Country: Japan
Organisation: International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)Nelia Sancho
Sector/Issue: Trafficking
Country: Philippines
Organisation: Asian Women's Human Rights CouncilJean Enriquez
Sector/Issue: Trafficking
Country: Philippines
Organisation: Coalition Against Trafficking in Women - Asia-PacificSajida Ally
Sector/Issue: Migrants
Country: Hong Kong
Organisation: Asian Migrant CentreSecretariat:
Nimalka Fernando IMADR -Asia Committee
Some of the strategies formulated by the Asia-Pacific/Middle East WCAR NGO Body include:* the identification of persons/organisations to participate in PrepComs;* formulation of an Asia Pacific NGO Declaration;
* holding of an NGO parallel meeting to the Asia Regional Governmental Meeting that will endorse the AP NGO Declaration; and
* organising Asia-Pacific events/activities during the actual WCAR.
- International Youth Committee
Youth groups have set up similar structures to facilitate their participation in the WCAR. In some regional preparatory NGO meetings, youth representatives have formed caucuses to reflect on the WCAR, develop their ideas and formulate their concerns. Two representatives from each region will constitute the International Youth Committee. Following persons are the youth leaders who have been involved in the preparatory process:
Africa
Alexandre Owona at <alowon@hotmail.com>
Mfouatie Jonas at <mjonascrip@hotmail.com>the Americas
Jalida Bennett at <jalidab@yahoo.com>
Bomani Johnson at <bomanij@yahoo.com>
Monica Aleman at <madre1998@aol.com>
Saeed Fotouhinia at <YouthAgainstRacism@hotmail.com>Europe
Mohamed Haji-Kella at <mhkella@usa.net>
Donatella Rostagno at <Donatella.rostagno@youthforum.org>What are the other NGO initiatives around WCAR?
One of the most exciting developments in the ongoing WCAR processes is the formation of the South-South Initiative (SSI), a coalition of women's groups from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Formed by women's NGO representatives from the three Southern regions who attended the 45th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2001, the group agreed to develop and implement strategies that will address gender and race issues common to them. Some of the issues that the group identified were: (1) the legacy of colonialism, indentured labour and slavery, as well as the plight of indigenous peoples including hunters and gatherers; (2) migrants and trafficked persons; and (3) internally displaced persons and refugees.
The SSI also focuses on the intersectionality of gender, race, class, caste, ethnicity, sexuality, religion and national origin. This approach recognises that racial discrimination does not always affect women and men equally or in similar ways. For women, the site of discrimination against them, even that which is racially or ethnically motivated, is often their sexuality or their reproductive roles. By not taking gender into account, certain forms of racism may go undetected. Likewise, with class and other mediating factors.
The SSI is currently running an electronic discussion list hosted by Isis International-Manila. The discussion focuses on specificity versus universality of women's human rights as a way of looking at the other issues concerning the intersectionality of gender, race and class. The group has also planned to publish and present the summary of the discussions at the WCAR and its parallel NGO Forum. Moreover, the group has also planned to organise a panel discussion on the common issues of the three Southern regions at the WCAR NGO Forum.
To request to be subscribed to the list, send an E-mail to: <susanna@isiswomen.org>.
Following are the SSI focal points:
Africa
International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Uganda <fida-ug@starcom.co.ug>
Asia
Isis International Manila <isis@isiswomen.org>, <susanna@isiswomen.org>
Asia-Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) <apwld@loxinfo.co.th>, <mjreal@apwld.org>
Medical Mission Sisters <philioa@medicalmissionsisters.org>
Pacific
Fiji Women's Rights Movement <asenaca@fwrm.org.fj>
Latin America
Brazilian Black Women's Articulation
Red Latinoamericane y del Caribe Educacion entre Mujeres (REPEM) <cecilia.millan@worldywca.org>, <cmillan@chasque.apc.org>
How can one use the WCAR process in local and national level work?
There are many ways by which concerned individuals, women's organisations, NGOs and other civil society actors may participate and find the WCAR process relevant to their work. Some of which are:
Prior to the WCAR:
* Learn about the issues being discussed in the Conference and the processes around these* Disseminate information regarding the Conference to as many individuals, women's organisations, NGOs and other civil society actors as you can reach.
* Send out press releases, media advisories and other media-ready materials to as many media outlets as you can reach. Make sure to give the media follow-up calls, faxes and E-mails for them to not forget about you releases.
* Conduct public fora, symposia and/or discussion groups on the issues and processes of the WCAR. Make sure that the discussion takes into account the context and realities in which the participants work. Film showings, pickets and other activities may also be organised.
* Link up with other groups at local, national and regional levels around the issues in the WCAR.
During the WCAR
* Contribute testimonies, press clippings and research results to strengthen platforms, exhibitions, workshops and panel discussions.* Lobby your respective governments but ensure that your efforts are coordinated with other groups which share your issues and principles as this will make your positions stronger and you stand a better chance of being heard by government blocks.
After the WCAR
* Make certain that your government and the United Nations honour the commitments made at the WCAR and act promptly to transform promises into reality* Inform and mobilise concerned individuals, women's groups, NGOs and other civil society actors about these governmental commitments and agreements.
* Hold governments and the United Nations accountable through monitoring and periodic reviews of their actions and submission of progress reports to the OHCHR and other appropriate bodies.
What are the logistical arrangements for the WCAR?
Turners Conferences has been appointed by the host country to arrange accommodation for all participants. An electronic accommodation booking form is now available on the Website: <http://www.turners.co.za/WCAR>. The deadline for submission of completed forms was 30 June 2001.
Tickets
For those who have not bought their tickets to South Africa, Turner's Travel is the only travel agent that has been granted special discount on South African Airways. Roundtrip tickets from New York or Atlanta to Durban are only $1,605.00 including taxes. They have block seat booking, so even if you were not able to get your preferred travel dates through your travel agent, you may be able to get it through Turner's. The contact persons at Turner's are:
Ms. Linda Edwards or Mr. Ismail Rahman
Turners Travel
Tel: 011 27 31 332-1451
E-mail: turner10@galileosa.co.za (Linda)It is also being suggested that Durban participants traveling via South African Airways reconfirm their seat assignment 2-3 days before departure.
Carry-on Bag
Conference participants are being reminded a change of clothes and any needed medicine in the bag that they carry on the plane. Due to the big number of people flying in, some delays may happen.
Arriving in South Africa
Special signs related to the WCAR will be placed in the main South African airports between 20-25 August. Authorities will be alerted that participants will be arriving for the WCAR.
Buses to Hotel Upon Arrival
There will be buses designated for particular zones that will take participants to their hotel. Since the buses will drop participants to hotels in a particular zone, you may not be going directly to your hotel. If you have a large delegation, it would be wise to be in contact with Linda Dunleavy, who is coordinating transportation and transfers. Her contact information can be found below in the section on transportation.
Accommodations
Turners Conferences understands that everyone is anxious and frustrated because their accommodations have not been confirmed. This is reportedly due to the fact that the South African government has not finalized the number of rooms they will need. Nicky Gild is the person at Turners that is responsible for accommodations, and she expects that the government will give their final number of rooms needed in the next few days. Turners has tentatively started matching requests with hotel availability, particularly for the more inexpensive hotels and the Bed and Breakfast establishments. They just cannot send the confirmation yet until the government sends its final request. The revised deadline for requesting accommodations is 26 July 2001. More information on accommodations can be found on the Turners Website: <http:// www.turners.co.za/wcar/accomod.htm>.
The most important news update is that most NGO participants will be staying outside of Durban. According to the information received by Isis International-Manila, the governments have taken most of the hotels in Durban. The Durban Hilton, the one closest to the venue, has been reserved for Heads of State and other VIPs.
There are some 2 and 3-star hotels Bed and Breakfast places in Durban that the governments will not be using. Delegations of 1 to 5 people, will have a better chance of being accommodated in Durban. However, please note that the accommodations are also processed according to when they are received.
Transportation
Organizers have arranged to transport people to and from their hotel, no matter how far away they are. It should be noted though, that there will only be one bus/shuttle in the morning, and one shuttle in the evening. The "accommodation zone" outside of Durban proper stretches to 1 1/2 hours away from Durban. You may want to consider renting a car, or mini-van if you have a large delegation, to provide at least one additional transport option.
Ms. Linda Dunleavy at Turners is the person you should contact if you want more information on transportation, or want to hire a car, van, etc. She can be reached by e-mail at <turner9@galileosa.co.za>. Cars may be rented with 90 per cent coverage (which means you have a $412 deductible for any damage), or with 100 per cent coverage. Following is a sample rate of cars that may be rented:
90% coverage 100% coverage Toyota Corolla/Nissan Sentra
(manual, radio/tape)$17.50 $24.75 Nissan Sentra/Honda Ballade150
(automatic, air-conditioning, power steering, radio/tape)$29.38 $37.13 Nine-person mini vans can also be rented per hour/distance or per transfer (for instance, roundtrip to and from venue). To give you an idea on the cost of rental, a 9-person mini van is $80 per roundtrip.
We have also received information that parking in Durban costs around $7.50 per day.
Additional information in relation to car hire and other transportation means may be found in the Turners Website: <http://www.turners.co.za/wcar/ cars.htm>.
Registration
A total of 6,000 people have registered for the NGO Forum. Of that number, 25 per cent are from the United States. It is still possible to register. The form may be accessed from the NGO Forum Website: <http://www.racism.org.za>. Please note that the $100 registration fee is per person, not per organisation.
Registration in Durban
Registration onsite will take place from 26 to 28 August at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium. It is planned that there will be 20 computer stations to facilitate this process. Registration will be according to the following categories:
1. Those who have pre-registered, paid and have confirmation;
2. Those who have pre-registered, but have not paid; and
3. Those who have not pre-registered, have not paid, and want to register on-site.Exhibits
The coordinator on the SANGOCO staff for NGO exhibits is Mr. Charl Durand, who can be reached by E-mail at <festival@global.co.za>. The venue for the exhibits is still to be finalised, but it will most likely be in the parking lot outside of the stadium. Exhibit stalls will be under a huge tent or tents. Each stall will have a sign above its space. If you have paid for an exhibit space, within the next 10 days, you will be receiving a communication from Mr. Durand that gives you more information and asks the precise organisational name or exhibit title that you want. There will be 24-hour security in the exhibit area. There is one electric outlet per booth, but one can use a multiple outlet devise if you need more plugs. You will be able to set up your booth on 26 and 27 August. Those who are putting up exhibits are reminded that nailing or stapling anything to the walls of the stalls is not allowed.
Office and Meeting Spaces
Ms. Jo Holland at Turners is coordinating the booking of office and meeting spaces. She may be contacted at <turner26@galileosa.co.za>. Offices can be rented in the Regus Business Center, which is located on West Street in Durban, not too far from the venue. To give you an idea, a four-person office is available for $78 a day.
Key Contacts for the Logistics in Durban and NGO Forum
Flights
Linda Edwards
<turner10@galileosa.co.za>
Transport/Transfer/Car Hire/Tours
Linda Dunleavy
<turner9@galileosa.co.za>
Accommodations
Nicky Gild
<turner20@galileosa.co.za>
Meeting Rooms
Jo Holland
<turner26@galileosa.co.za>
NGO Forum Project Director
Moshe More
<moshe@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
NGO Forum Program
Major Kobese
<major@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
Media Coordinator
Fumane Diseko
<fumane@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
Exhibitions
Charl Durand
<festival@global.co.za>
Project Coordinator
David Madurai
<david@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
Registration
Leigh-Ann Harris
<leigh-ann@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
Where can WCAR-related information be accessed?
Please refer to Directory and other resources in the following of this Primer.
Directory of Organisations/Individuals Involved in the WCAR
UN Agencies
NGO Liaison for the WCAR
Laurie S. Wiseberg
OHCHR, Room 4-025
Palais Wilson, CH 1211
Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel. (41-22) 917-9393
Fax. (41-22) 917-9050
E-mail: <lwiseberg.hchr@unog.ch>Human Rights Watch
485, 5th Avenue,
New York - 10017-6104, USA
E-mail: <hrwnyc@hrw.org>The Human Rights Committee
Centre for Human Rights
United Nations Office, 8,14, Avenue Dela Paix
1211 Geneva 10, SwitzerlandUnited Nations Human Rights Mechanisms
Office of The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
OHCHR-UNOG
Ch 12ii Geneva 10, Switzerland
E-mail: <webadmin.hchr@unog.ch>
Website: <http://www.unhchr.ch>Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
OHCHR-UNOG
CH 12II Geneva 10, Switzerland
E-mail: <webadmin.hchr@unog.ch>
Website: <http://www.unhchr.ch>Human Rights Committee
OHCHR-UNOG
CH 12II Geneva 10, Switzerland
E-mail: <webadmin.hchr@unog.ch>
Website: <http://www.unhchr.ch/>Committee Against Torture
OHCHR-UNOG
CH 12II Geneva 10, Switzerland
Email: <webadmin.hchr.@unog.ch>
Website: <http://www.unhchr.ch/>NGOs
Africa:
South African National NGO Coalition, SANGOCO
4th Floor, Sable Centre
41 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Gauteng,
South Africa
Tel: (27-11) 403-7270
Fax: (27-11) 403-5531
E-mail and contact persons:
Moshe More, Program Director: <moshe@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
Major Kobese, Program Officer: <major@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
David Madurai, Project co-ordinator: <david@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
Fumane Diseko, Media Coordinator: <fumane@wcar.sangoco.org.za>
Charl Durand, Coordinator for Forum Exhibition: <festival@global.co.za>African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
Muthoni Wanyeki
Executive Director
PO Box 54562
Nairobi, Kenya
Tels: (254-2) 741-301/20
Fax: (254-2) 742-927
E-mail: <femnet@africaonline.co.ke>
Website: <http://www.africaonline.co.ke/femnet>IPS Africa
Farai Samhungu
Regional Director
P.O. Box 6050
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tels: (263-4) 790-104, 703-954, 703-956, 703-980
Fax: (263-4) 728-415
E-mail: <farai@ipsafrica.org>Asia-Pacific:
International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)
Nimalka Fernando
Regional Coordinator
Asia Pacific NGO Process
IMADR Asia Committee, 14 Elliott Place, Colombo,08, Sri Lanka,
Tels: (941) 672-586, 682 505, 576-672
Fax: (941) 682-505
Email: <imadrn@slt.net.lk>, <imadr@slt.lk>Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
Ms. Mary Jane Real
Ms. Alison G. Aggarwal
Santitham YMCA Building 3rd floor,
Room 305-308, 11 Sermsuk Road,
Soi Mengrairasmi, Chiangmai 50300
Thailand
Tels: (66-53) 404-613 to 34
Fax: (66 53) 404-615
Email: <apwld@loxinfo.co.th>, <mjreal@apwld.org>
Website: <http://www.apwld.org>Isis International-Manila
Ms. Susanna George, Executive Director
3 Marunong Street
Barangay Central District
Diliman, Quezon City 1100
Philippines
Tels: (63-2) 435-3408, 435-3405, 436-0312 local 107
Fax: (63-2) 924-1065
E-mail: <isis@isiswomen.org> or <susanna@isiswomen.org>
Website: <http://www.isiswomen.org>Migrant Forum Asia (MFA)
Ms. Sajida Ally
9/F Lee Kong Commercial Building
115 Woosung St., Kowloon
Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2312-0031
Fax: (852) 292-0111
E-mail: <amc@asian-migrants.org> or <amc@pacific.net.hk>National Human Rights Commission
Sardar Patel Bhavan, No.9, Parliament Street
New Delhi - 110 001, India
E-mail: <nhrc_del@x400.nicgw.nic.in > or <nhrc@ren.nic.in>National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Floor V, Lok Nayak Bhavan
Khan Market, New Delhi - 100 003, India
E-mail: <Njrc_del@x400.nicgw.nic.in> or <nhrc@ren.nic.in>Indian National Forum Against Caste Discrimination
R. Arul
Post Box No. 54,
Chidambaram,
Tamil Nadu - 608 001
India
E-mail: <infacd@yahoo.co.in>Tamil Nadu Dalit Women's Movement
6-H.Anderson Road,
Ayanavaram, Chennai- 600 023
Tamil Nadu, India
Tel/Fax: (91-44) 644-9860Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Tebtebba/AIWN, Philippines
No. 1 Roman Ayson Road
P.O. Box 1993
2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Tel/Fax (63- 74) 443-9459
E-mail: <tebtebba@skyinet.net> , <vtcorpuz@yahoo.com>
Website: <http://www.tebtebba.org>Ruth Manorama
National Federation of Dalit Women (NFDW)
No. 47 Marks Road, Bangalore, 56001, India
Tel/Fax: (91-80) 663-0262
E-mail: <ruth@blr.vsnl.net.in>Tim Gill
Asia Human Rights Commission HK (AHRC)
Unit 4, 7th Fl, Mongkok Commercial Centre
16 Argyle Street, Kowloon, HK SAR
E-mail: <timgill@ahrchk.or>Central America:
Mirna Cunningham
Indigenous Initiative for Peace
Apartado Postal 891,
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: (505-2) 248-211
Fax: (505-2) 248-4685
E-mail: <uraccan@ibw.com.ni>Andean Region:
Irene Leon
ALAI
12 de Octubre 18-24 y Patria, Of 503
C.P. 17-12-877
Quito, Ecuador
Tel: (593-2) 505-074
Fax: (593-2) 505-073
E-mail: <ddhh@alainet.org>Brazil:
Ivanir dos Santos
CEAP
Rua da Lapa, 200
Lapa, R_o de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: (55-21) 509-6771, 509-4413
Fax: (55-21) 509-2700
CEP 20021-180 - RJ
E-mail: <ceap@ax.apc.org>Caribbean:
Palmira R_os
Escuela Graduada de Administracion Publica
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto R_o Piedras,
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00931-1839
Tel: (1-787) 764-0000 Ext 2066/2097
Fax: (1-787) 763-3699
E-mail: <prios@upracd.upr.clu.edu>Mexico: To be defined
Southern Cone:
Romero Rodriguez
Mundo Afro
Ciudadela 1229 1 Piso,
Mercado Central
CP 11.100, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Tel: (598-2) 916-8779
Fax: (598-2) 915-0247
E-mail: <romero@chasque.apc.org> or <mundafro@chasque.apc.org>Canada:
Margaret Parsons
African Canadian Legal Clinic
330 Bay Street, Suite 306
Toronto, Canada
M5H 2S8
Tel: (1-416) 214-4747
Fax: (1-416) 4748
E-mail: <parsonsm@olap.org>United States:
Deborah Robinson
International Possibilities Unlimited
P.O. Box 4430
Washington, DC 20017
USA
Tel: (1-202) 723-5622
Fax: (1-202) 723-5637
E-mail: <drdrobinson@sprynet.com>International NGOs
Amnesty International
1, Easton Street,
London - WCIX 8DJ, U.K
E-mail: <amnestyis@gn.apc.org> or <amnesty_is@mcr1.geonet.de>World YWCA
Cecilia Millan
16 Ancienne Route
CH-1218 Grand Saconnex,
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: (41-22) 929-6040
Fax: (41-22) 929-6044
E-mail: <cecilia.millan@worldywca.org> or <worldoffice@worldywca.org>Youth
The International Youth Committee and the Youth Task Team
Africa:
Alexandre Owona at <alowon@hotmail.com>
Mfouatie Jonas at <mjonascrip@hotmail.com>the Americas:
Jalida Bennett
American Friends Service Committee
59 East Van Buren, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60615-1212
U.S.A.
Tel: (1-312) 427-2533 ext. 37
Fax: (1-312) 427-4171
E-mail: <jalidab@yahoo.com>Bomani Johnson at <bomanij@yahoo.com>
Monica Aleman at <madre1998@aol.com>
Saeed Fotouhinia at <YouthAgainstRacism@hotmail.com>Europe:
Mohamed Haji-Kella at <mhkella@usa.net>
Donatella Rostagno at <Donatella.rostagno@youthforum.org>South Africa:
Major Kobese at <major@wcar.sangoco.org>
Mokoka Seshabela at <saayc@sn.apc.org>WCAR Secretariat:
Birgit Van Hout at <bvanhout.hchr@unog.ch>
Indigenous People:
Estebancio Diaz
66 Hereford Street
Cannons Creek/ Porivua,
New Zealand
Tel: (64-4) 237-9985
Fax: (64-4) 237-8071
E-mail: <estebancio@hotmail.com>Juana Majel
National Congress of American Indians
406 S. Grape Street Escondido,
CA 92025, USA
Tel: (1-760) 747-7458
E-mail: <jmajel@aol.com>Where can other WCAR-related information be accessed?
The Conference Secretariat, a number of NGOs, including Isis International-Manila, have set up several WCAR information-sharing and information dissemination channels that include:
Publications
1. WCAR Watch
We!, Isis International-Manila's news bulletin issued in both electronic (weekly) and printed (monthly) editions, recently started a special section called 'WCAR Watch.' The section provides the latest updates on issues, debates and other initiatives of governments and NGOs in preparation for the WCAR. To subscribe, send E-mail to <communications@isiswomen.org>.
2. Women in Action (WIA) special WCAR issue - A special issue of Isis International-Manila's WIA magazine will be published and distributed in Durban. The special issue will feature a discussion on the intersectionality of gender, race, class and ethnicity; the Asia-Pacific NGO Declaration; the summary of the Asia-Pacific NGO Preparatory Meeting for the WCAR; a discussion on media and racism; a backgrounder on the South-South initiative; a situation paper on the Dalit issue; and a critique of the WCAR process. This issue will also be uploaded on the Isis Website: <http://www.isiswomen.org>.
3. Durban 2001: United against Racism - This newsletter produced by the Conference Secretariat is made available to Member States, UN offices, agencies and programmes, intergovernmental organisations, national institutions, key media outlets and NGOs accredited to the WCAR. Previous and current issues of 'Durban 2001' in English, French and Spanish may be downloaded from the OHCHR Website: <http://www.unhchr.ch>.
4. Sacred Rights -a special publication compiled by the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders in cooperation with the OHCHR to commemorate the Conference was launched in Geneva by the High Commissioner on 15 June 2001.
Electronic mailing lists
1. apgr-list- This electronic announcement list that focuses on the issues of gender and race aims to contribute to the strengthening of women's participation and ensuring a more productive lobbying process for advancing women's perspectives and agenda in the WCAR. The list is hosted by Isis International-Manila. To subscribe to the list, e-mail the List Administrator, Kathy Clarin at <kathy@isiswomen.org>.
2. SouthGender-list - This list was set up to draw attention to the themes and issues of women of the South (Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean) and ensure that the Southern women's perspective is palpable at all discussions during the WCAR. The South-Gender discussion list is being hosted by Isis International-Manila on behalf of the South-South Initiative (SSI). To request to be subscribed to the list, send an E-mail to Susanna George at <susanna@isiswomen.org>.
3. Asia-migrants list - The Asia-migrants list serves as a mechanism for advocates on Asian migration issues to share and disseminate information on the range of migrants' human rights issues. This list is also currently being used to transmit information on the WCAR process, particularly, on preparations and lobby strategy among NGOs working on migration and trafficking issues. This mailing list is moderated by the Asian Migrant Centre. If you would like to be part of this list, please contact AMC at: <amc@pacific.net.hk>.
4. WCAR-AsiaNGO@yahoogroups.com - This is an E-mail list set up by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) as a communication network to prepare for WCAR. Currently, there are around 100 individuals and organisations subscribed to the list. To join, send an E-mail to <timgill@ahrchk.org>.
5. Feministlead - An electronic discussion list that addresses such topics as feminist leadership and diversity, feminist proposals on fighting racism, xenophobia and intolerance, and global leadership for WCAR and beyond. To request to be subscribed, send an E-mail to: <feministlead@alai.net.org>.
Websites
1. Official UN site on the WCAR <http://www.un.org/rights/racism/> - This site contains past and present statements for media and the general public.
2. UNHCHR World Conference Website <http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/index.htm> - This site set up by the Conference Secretariat features postings on upcoming events, a list of reference material on racism and racial discrimination and general Information about WCAR.
3. WCAR section on the Isis website <http://www.isiswomen.org> - The new Isis website format has included a special section compiling various information and documents arising from the NGO and official meetings as well as other initiatives related to WCAR. It also provides links to other sites that offer information on the Conference.
4. The Asia-Pacific NGO Coordinating Committee Website <http://www.hurights.or.jp/wcarasia.htm> - This site is another outlet for WCAR-related information. It promotes the Asia-Pacific NGO position on racism-related issues. It also contains recent documents on the WCAR as well as an archive of materials from WCAR-related processes.
For a more detailed listing of Websites, please , refer to the table following this section.
Actual coverage in Durban
In Durban, Isis International-Manila as well as other women's groups and NGOs will be conducting onsite reporting and coverage of the official conference and the parallel NGO activities.
The Feminist International Radio Endeavour will be conducting a live Internet webcast entitled "Voices Without Brackets" during the NGO Forum. Visit <http://www.fire.or.cr> for additional information.
WEBSITES on the WCAR , RACISM and GENDER
1. http://www.un.org/rights/racism
Site Description
* official UN site on the WCAR; established 31 Jan 1995
* contains past and present press statements for media and general public consumptionContents Related to WCAR issues
Press Releases include:
1. Petition on Racial Discrimination in United States Presented to Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights [24 Oct 2000]2.High Commissioner for Human Rights Decries "Fortress Europe" at European Conference Against Racism [16 Oct 2000]
3. Human Rights Committee Discusses Participation in 2001 World Conference Against Racism (30 March 2000)
4. Human Rights Committee Briefed on Preparations for 2001 World Conference Against Racism (21 March 2000)
5. Assembly President says Combatting Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance a Collective Responsibility (20 March 2000)
6. With Perseverance, Faith, Commitment, Racism can be Eliminated, Says Secretary-General in Message on International Day (20 March 2000)
7. Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination Observed 21 March; Focus on 2001 South Africa Conference Against Racism (20 March 2001)
8. General Assembly asked to proclaim 2001 as International Year Against Racism, Xenophobia, Other Forms of Intolerance (16 Nov. 1999)
Press Kit includes:
1. Brochure on World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance2. Background Information on the Conference
3. Fact Sheet No. 1. Why a World Conference Now?
4. Fact Sheet No. 2. A historical perspective: getting from here to there
5. List of Activities related to WCAR
2. http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/index.htm
Site Description
* The UNHCHR World Conference Website
* posting of the upcoming events
* gives general Information, a list of reference material on racism and racial discrimination
* has the Programme of Events to access data on the preparatory committees, seminars, agendas for upcoming events, etc.
* It includes NGO events
* page is updated regularlyContents Related to WCAR issues
* General Information
* Programme of Events
* Documents
* Press Releases
* Statements
* Text of "Tolerance and Diversity - A Vision for the 21st Century", a document/statement of the UN's shared vision for an inclusive, Non-racial and non-discriminatory world signed by the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, Mr. Nelson Mandela as Patron, Mary Robinson, Secretary-General for the World Conference against Racism
* Information for NGOs (NGO meetings schedule 2000-2001, Information notes for NGOs, Information note for NGOs not having consultative status with ECOSOC, List of NGOs not in consultative status with ECOSOC that have been accredited to the WCAR3. http://sangoco.org.za/wcar/index.html
Site Description
* run by the SANGOCO, or the South African NGO Coalition, host of the WCAR NGO ForumContents Related to WCAR issues
* Registration
* Conference Objectives
* Facilities
* Contact Details
* Exhibitors
* Links<http://www.unhchr.ch>
<http://www.ecri.coe.int>
<http:www.unhbhr.ch/html/racism/index.htm>
<http://www.un.org/rights/racism/bginfo.htm>
<http:www.gov.za/events/humanrightsday.htm>
<http:www.sahrc.org.za>Site Description
* official NGO Forum site, run by the WCAR NGO Forum SecretariatContents Related to WCAR issues
* News and updates
* Background information
* Forum programme
* Documentation
* Discussion forum venue information
* Forum exhibition
* Registration information
* Contacts and links5. http://www.movimientos.org/foro-racismo/
Site Description
* website for the Latin American countries/groups run by ALAIContents Related to WCAR issues
* Basic information on the WCAR
* NGO World forum
* Forum of the Americas
* Documents
* Analysis
* News
* Events
* Links6. http://www.cwgl.rutgers.edu/wc/wc.htm
Site Description
* women's caucus Website for the WCARContents Related to WCAR issues
* Basic information
* Women's Caucus activities
* NGO activities
* Resources
* Documents include:1. UNIFEM - Background Paper on Integrating Gender into the Third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
2. Report of the International Human Rights Law Group-led Bellagio Consultation on the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Forms of Intolerance (as presented at the first session of the UN Preparatory Committee in Geneva, May 2000)
* Resources, include
1. AntiRacismNet (Project Change, in collaboration with IGC)
2. Internet Center Anti-Racism Europe (I CARE)
3. NGO Website for the World Conference (Human Rights Internet)
4. Official World Conference Against Racism Website (OHCHR)
5. Report on U.S. Government Compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, compiled by the World Organization Organisation Against Torture (USA)
6. Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy: Report on Racial Discrimination in Tibet Released
7. < http://www.hri.ca/racism/>
Site Description
* site created as a clearinghouse for NGO information regarding the WCAR* run by the Human Rights Internet (HRI), a Canada-based organisation founded in 1976 to facilitate the exchange of information within the worldwide human rights community
Contents Related to WCAR issues
* NGO accreditation
* PrepCom reports
* Briefing Notes from the UN NGO Liaison Unit
* Calendar of Events
* NGO Documents, arranged by theme, country, author and organisation8. http://www.ahrchk.net/solidarity/200009/v109_02.htm>
Site Description
* Webpages by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), a Hong Kong-based NGO founded in 1986, aiming for greater awareness and realisation of human rights in the Asian region, mobilising Asian and international public opinion to obtain relief and redress for the victims of human rights violations, and promoting civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights.Contents Related to WCAR issues
* NGO Statement on National Institutions and the WCAR, presented at the fifth annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum of Human Rights Institutions held in August 2000 in Rotorua, New Zealand.9. http://www.migrantwatch.org/pages/conference/WCRXPRE.html
Site Description
* webpage produced by the Migrant Rights International, an independent global monitoring focusing on human rights of migrants* provides basic info on the WCAR
Contents Related to WCAR issues
* contains very brief information themes and objectives of WCAR, past NGO meetings and contact details of activities and organisations involved in WCAR-related meetings and processes10. http://www.icare.to/worldcon.html
Site Description
* run by the Internet Centre Anti-Racism Europe (Icare)Contents Related to WCAR issues
* NGO accreditation in WCAR
* Report about the Second PrepCom for WCAR
* Briefing Notes on various meetings, results of meetings, and processes in preparation for WCAR
* Structure of NGO participation
* Reports from several NGO's present at the first preparatory conference held in Geneva 01-05 May 2000
* Links to the UN WCAR site and the WCAR NGO Forum site11. http://www.wildforhumanrights.org/raceconf.html
Site Description
* run by the Wild for Human Rights group, U.S., aimed at advancing HR in the U.S. through the leadership of women and girlsContents Related to WCAR issues
* Introduction to the WCAR and the Women's Caucus
* WILD's Statement to the Preparatory Committee of WCAR
* Women's Human Rights Caucus
* Statement of the Women's Human Rights Caucus
* Women's Human Rights Caucus Recommendations12. http://www.lawyerscommittee.org/upwrldconf2.html
Site Description
* run by the International Human Rights Law Group, an international NGO dedicated to HR advocacy, litigation and trainingContents Related to WCAR issues
* Updates
* Accreditation for Preparatory Meetings
* Funding for Regional Preparatory Conferences
* Regional Expert Seminars
* Other Regional NGO Meetings
* International Human Rights Law Group
* Report on the World conference Against Racism which has information on WCAR-related dates and venues, NGO Accreditation, NGOs not having consultative status with ECOSOC Organisations Representing Indigenous Peoples, NGO Coordination for WCAR, the NGO Forum, and Themes on the Agenda, Website links, Published Documents: Combating Racism Together: A Guide to the UN World Conference Against Racism from http://www.hrlawgroup.org/site/-programs.html13. http://www.sahrc.org.za/world_conference_against_racism.htm
Site Description
* run by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) serves as both a watchdog and a visible route through which people can access their rightsContents Related to WCAR issues
* NGO Forum Exhibition
* Kayak Africa - A solo kayak voyage for Human Rights
* Statement by Mary Robinson, UNHCHR
* Background information on the Conference14. http://www.state.gov/www/issues/wcar/
Site Description
* webpage of the U.S. Interagency Task Force on the WCARContents Related to WCAR issues
* Information about WCAR Task Force
* Updates concerning United States efforts to prepare for the WCAR
* General WCAR information15. http://www.madre.org/archives/press/wcar.html
Site Description
* Run by MADRE, International Women's Human Rights Organization OrganisationContents Related to WCAR issues
* General information about WCAR
* MADRE's role in WCAR
* Resources for learning more about WCAR
* The International Indigenous Women's Forum at WCAR
* The Women's Human Rights Caucus at WCAR16. http://www.unifem.undp.org/hr_racism.html
Site Description
* page containing UNIFEM Background PaperContents Related to WCAR issues
* Document: "Integrating Gender into the Third World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance"17. http://www.wilpf.int.ch/~wilpf/racism/statement.htm
Site Description
Page containing WILPF Statement on RacismContents Related to WCAR issues
Statement on UN World Conference on Racism18. http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/jpc/un-conf.html
Site Description
* site run by the World Council of ChurchesContents Related to WCAR issues
Includes pages on* Planning
* Regional Preparatory Meetings
* Regional Expert Seminars
* Regional NGO Meetings
* NGO Participation and Coordination
* WCC contribution towards the WCAR
* WCC contribution to the draft Declaration and Programme of Action for the WCAR
* Actions by WCC partnersHas links to other sites
* UN World Conference (WCR)
* Human Rights Internet
* Canada (with pages for NGOs preparing for the WCAR
* Canadian Inter-Church Committee for Refugees
* ICCR
* United Methodist Church (U.S.A.) preparations for the WCAR19. http://www.igc.org/igc/gateway/arn/worldconf/
Site Description
* Homebase/site for U.S. NGOs working on the WCAR* Part of the Project Change mission of furthering the development of an infrastructure for social justice work in the United States
* This online network, AntiRacismNet, produced in collaboration with the Institute for Global Communications (IGC)
Contents Related to WCAR issues
Statements from different groups:* The Institute of Health Care, Race and the Law
* Hate Crime
* Virtual Hate
* Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment
* Racism and Racial Discrimination in the US health care System
* Health Disparities and the Impact of Poverty, Race and ethnicity
* Anti-semitism in the U.S.
* Asylum Reform20. http://www.usask.ca/nativelaw/wcar.html
Site Description
* Presents the Canadian Civil Society framework in looking at issues of racism and racial discrimination* This site is being managed by the Native Law Center of Canada
Contents Related to WCAR issues
* Frame work paper drawn from consultations with various indigenous groups in CanadaSite Description
* site run by the European Network against Racism for the European Union's work on anti-racism and anti-discrimination lawsContents Related to WCAR issues
Documents included are:* The Political Declaration adopted by Ministers of the Council of Europe member States
* General Conclusions of the European Conference against Racism
* Report from the Forum of non-governmental organisations
* Final conclusions of the European Regional Conference on Racism in Strasbourg, France22. http://www.unrisd.org/racism
Site Description
* Set-up by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), the site provides information on the Racism and Public Policy Conference to be held from 3-5 September in Durban, South Africa. The conference aims to provide WCAR participants with research-based information and a neutral forum in which to discuss the sensitive issues of racism and xenophobia.Contents Related to WCAR issues
* The site offers basic information about the conference, e.g., date, venue, registration form and guidelines, list of participants. List of abstracts/papers to be presented and the conference agenda may be downloaded from the site. Since list of participants has been finalised, those intending to participate are required to register on-line.* Papers prepared for the conference will soon be made available in this site.
Site Description
* run by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia* Established in 1997 by the European Union as an independent body to contribute to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism throughout Europe.
* It has the task of reviewing the extent and development of the racist, xenophobic and anti-semitic phenomena in the European Union and promoting "best practice" among the Member States.
* It has set up a European Racism and Xenophobia Information Network (RAXEN), which will be an instrument for collecting and collating data and statistics from the national level to a central unit of the EUMC.
Contents Related to WCAR issues
* Carries news and media reports on the work of EUMC on racism
Isis International-Manila, is an international women's organisation committed to strengthen information sharing and dissemination while facilitating communications amongst women's groups and other civil society organisations involved in the WCAR processes. It also aims to facilitate dialogue towards the promotion of the Southern feminist perspective in the struggle to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
Isis International-Manila advocates for the inclusion of a strong gender analysis in the WCAR agenda and is one of the key organisations in the Asia-Pacific region that are examining the intersectionality of gender, race, class and ethnicity and lobbying for its inclusion in the WCAR output documents.
Produced by Isis International- Manila
No. 3 Marunong, Barangay Central
Quezon City 1100, Philippines
Tel: (63-2) 435-3405, 435-3408, 436-0312
Fax: (63-2) 924-1065
E-mail: isis@isiswomen.orgEditorial and Production Staff:
Mavic Cabrera Balleza
Maria Carolina Rodriguez Bello
Katherine Clarin
Irene R. Chia
Merceditas Cruz
Susanna George
Florian Taldo
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