HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LAUNCHES PUBLICATION ON TOLERANCE ACROSS RELIGIOUS FAITHS

15 June 2001



The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Secretary General of the World Conference against Racism, Mary Robinson, launched on Friday 15 June 2001 in Geneva, "Sacred Right : Faith Leaders on Tolerance and Respect” -- a special publication compiled by the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders in co-operation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“Sacred Rights” brings together leaders of all the world’s major religions to illustrate that the human person enjoys a certain sacred status or dignity across the broad range of religious faiths. The book marks a milestone in preparations for the World Conference, which is to be held in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 7 September 2001.

Mrs. Robinson said the richness of religious traditions provided much food for effective action towards the abolition of racism and all forms of prejudice. She called on religious leaders to establish "an annual inter-religious and international day of celebration of human diversity in order to put emphasis on the enriching character of human diversity, with special reference and outreach to those suffering discrimination in a particular region of the world".

The High Commissioner warmly welcomed the engagement by religious and spiritual leaders in activities leading to the World Conference and added that, "their thoughts and beliefs will be an inspiration for all concerned with fighting racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. "By bringing these contributions together the book will serve to enrich preparations for the Durban Conference", she added.

“Sacred Rights” is available from Millwood Publishing, 301 East 57th Street, New York NY 10022. For further information about the World Conference, please contact Teferra Shiawl-Kidanekal, tel. 41 22 917 9127, tshiawl.hchr@unog.ch; or Jose Diaz, tel. +41 22 917 9242, jdiaz.hchr@unog.ch.



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