World Conference against Racism: briefing

Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
22 August 2001
WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM: BRIEFING

Chairperson: E.I. Ebrahim

Documents handed out:
World Conference Against Racism presentation

MINUTES
Dr Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director General: Department of Foreign Affairs, briefed the Committee on the preparations for the World Conference Against Racism (see document). He confirmed that the preparatory conferences had been riven with difficulties, but the Third Prepcon in which South Africa had played a key chairing role had resolved most of these difficulties. A successful conference is now anticipated in Durban whereas only a few months ago there were doubts that the conference would even proceed.

Discussion
Mr Geldenhuys (NNP) asked if the US will participate. What is the expected participation at the NGO Forum? Why the emphasis on the Middle East, and not also the Great Lakes and the Balkans?

Dr Sooklal replied that the US has booked 56 hotel rooms in Durban, and is currently deciding upon its participation. About 7500 NGO participants and 1500 members of the media are expected. He could not answer the third question.

Ms F Mahomed (ANC) asked what prospects of: a) an effective reality against racism? b) of bridging the gap between First and Third Worlds? c) resolving the Arab/Israeli conflict?

Dr Sooklal replied that the previous conferences against racism focussed on apartheid. South Africa is a case study of effective dialoguing. The dialogue on the Middle East is progressing, and Israel is attending the Conference.

Mr C Eglin (DP) asked how wide is the definition of racism, and how does the conference intend to ensure that emphasis on the past does not overwhelm the present and the future?

Dr Sooklal replied that definitions of racism are based on Article 1 of the Convention on Racism and Article 2 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The TRC dealt with the past in a creative way.

Dr P Jordan (ANC) commented that the participation of the United States is neither here nor there. The US did not participate in either of the two previous conferences.

The meeting was adjourned.