MESSAGE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION,

21 March 2002




In the emerging global alliance against intolerance and prejudice, young people in every region are among the most dynamic groups, full of energy and commitment. On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us recall that young people were central to the peaceful protest that led to the Sharpeville massacres we commemorate today. Let us go beyond paying lip service to the contribution of young people and involve them fully in a vibrant campaign against racism.

Las August in Durban, the Youth Summit of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, brought together young people from around the world, many of whom had experienced racial discrimination themselves, to discuss issues of particular concern to them. They identified areas in which they feel most affected by racial discrimination - education, health and employment opportunities. They called upon governments to protect their rights, to listen to their views and to make them part of efforts to combat racial discrimination.

The Youth Summit took the first steps in building an international network committed to eradicating the scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at the grass-roots level. Today, in Geneva, members of that network will meet to take stock of what has been done since the World Conference and discuss further joint action.

Last November, I witnessed the strong commitment of African Youth at a meeting in Lisbon under the auspices of the Council of Europe North/South Forum. Today we can listen to the voices and viewpoints of young people with their vision of the world free from racism and discrimination.

Young people are showing they can make a difference through their own individual efforts. They are helping prevent intolerance in others through persuasion, discussion and exchange of information. They are reaching out to the victims of discrimination and offering their assistance and friendship. If resourced, they can do much more. The international community, States, UN bodies and specialized agencies, civil society and NGOs should involve youth in efforts to eliminate racial discrimination. It is equally important that specific programmes are targeted at youth, and that they are developed, promoted and implemented with youth participation.

Simply put, our youth are our future. Encouraging them to value diversity and reject intolerance in the best investment we can make to eliminate the scourge of racism once and for all.



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