HIGH COMMISSIONER AND GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA SIGN HOST COUNTRY AGREEMENT ON WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

6 August 2001



United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson and South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma signed today in Geneva a "host country agreement" on the holding of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa from 31 August to 7 September 2001.

With the conclusion of the agreement defining their responsibilities with regard to the holding of the Conference, the contracting parties -- the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the United Nations -- clear the last official requirement before thousands of official and non-governmental delegates arrive in Durban for the largest international anti-racism congress ever.

The signing today took place as the Preparatory Committee for the Conference continued its deliberations in Geneva. The Committee is finalizing work on the draft Declaration and draft Programme of Action which delegates in Durban will have before them.

Heads of State and Government, as well as ministers and other dignitaries, representatives of national and international institutions, civil society, and non-governmental organizations will participate in the Durban Conference. South African President Thabo Mbeki will make an opening statement. Eighty Government Ministers and over 200 representatives of national and international institutions have also registered to speak.



For further information please contact: Jose Diaz, tel. +41 22 9179242, e-mail jdiaz.hchr@unog.ch; and Teferra Shiawl-Kidanekal, tel. +41 22 9179127, e-mail tshiawl.hchr@unog.ch