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22 August 2000





The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, welcomes the decision of the Racing football club of Strasbourg in France to take legal action against some of its supporters for incitement to racial hatred.

The move by the Racing Club of Strasbourg, the High Commissioner points out, is particularly opportune in drawing attention to the importance of mobilizing support for the fight against bias as the international community gears up for the World Conference against Racism to be held in South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001. The High Commissioner considers it deeply encouraging to see that the Club is receiving support from the authorities and from civil society organizations in France.

Legal protection against racism and education to combat racism are among the themes that will be discussed in Strasbourg at a conference entitled, "All different, all equal from principle to practice", to be held from 11 to 13 October 2000. The gathering, co-ordinated by the Council of Europe, is a regional preparatory meeting for the World Conference against Racism, which will take place in South Africa. The Conference will bring together governments, NGOs, civil society and individuals from all over the world to underline their resolve to fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance



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