NOTE/99/6
15 March 1999


NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS


The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is commemorated on 21 March, will be observed at the Palais des Nations on 19 March 1999. The theme chosen for this year’s Round Table discussion is “Towards the World Conference Against Racism.”

The Round Table, which is being organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Information Service, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in room VIII at the Palais des Nations.

Bertie Ramcharan, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, will read out the message of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the International Day.

Mahmoud Aboul-Nasr, Chairman of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), will talk about the elimination of racial discrimination. Ivan Garvalov, Chairman of the Contact Group for the World Conference Against Racism of CERD, will address the Round Table, as will Edith Ballantyne, Secretary of the Non-Governmental Organizations Sub-Committee on Racism and Racial Discrimination. Finally, Mr. Ramcharan will speak on the planning for the World Conference before moderating the Round Table.

There will be English and French translation available.